Summer2015
19
"I think there are a lot of areas where
people really love the game." Now, though,
Ron sees that futsal is impacting the soccer
community as indoor soccer did many
years ago.
"Is it as exciting as the American version of
indoor soccer? Not even close. Who in their
right mind would want to play soccer on a
basketball court with a flat ball you can't head?
Yet somehow people think this is going to
make their kid the next Pele."
In Ron's opinion, indoor soccer is simply
more fun, and in order to get your child to do
something well, they first have to enjoy it.
"I hear parents say, 'They play futsal in
Brazil, and they're really good.' It doesn't
mean anything, though, because I went to
Brazil years ago, and they don't have the
money to play indoor soccer." Facilities
like Maryland Sports Arena don't really
exist there. "They're playing outside on
courts or on their beaches. It's apples
and oranges regarding the advantages
to playing futsal. I don't think there's any
advantage."
According to Ron, since the boards keep the
ball in play, players have more opportunities.
As far as training for the outdoor game, it
makes sense that the more the ball is in play,
the more touches a player gets, and the more
he or she will improve.
Whether or not players prefer this traditional
American version of indoor soccer, Ron knows
he has an excellent product. "We maintain our
field as one of the better fields around. We
have rubber in-fill turf, dasher boards imported
from Canada, LED lighting, and a great heating
system. We are constantly trying to make it a
total experience for the kids."
Maryland Sports Arena has been providing the
experience for more than 25 years.
"We have a good product. It's not just soccer,
it's fun! We're not selling soccer. The kids are
here to have fun, and if they're not having fun,
they're not going to come back."
