Futsal is a great way to be introduced to football: Roy Krishna

The Fiji International played in the ISL for four years.

After his recent departure from Bengaluru FC a week ago, Roy Krishna took a trip back to his hometown in Fiji, where he spent time promoting futsal and its benefits for young football players.

As the ambassador of the Oceania Football Confederation, Krishna joined OFC futsal consultant Juliano Schmelling to support the delivery of OFC futsal C Licence with Fiji FA national team coach and development officer Jerry Sam. 

The former Mohun Bagan player, was also spotted having a few kicks of the ball, as he reminisced his old futsal playing days. 

“I remember futsal being the new craze when I was younger and a lot of fun, it was almost like going out on a date with your mates- an absolute blast. You took an hour off to have some fun with your mates and it was the best one hour spent with them. The pace was fast, and we had to think very quickly as we had to always switch between attacking and defensive play. Any slip-up was quickly punished. What hooked me was the sheer number of touches I got on the ball, with just five of us on that small pitch,” Krishna said to local publication Island Business.

Impact of Futsal football on him

Krishna also threw light on how this childhood recreation with his mates helped him become the player he is today.

“It (Futsal Football) helped me with my decision-making abilities, especially working in tight spaces and being creative as well as getting accurate and impactful short passes. I would say overall, it helped me with my 1v1, quick passes, defending, and ball control like an all-in-one package,” he exclaimed.

Krishna’s advice to all young ballers

Krishna “definitely recommends” futsal as a way for young players to hone skills and develop their game. 

“It’s a great way to start or to be introduced to football because it’s more accessible than assembling a full 11-a-side squad,” Krishna told Island Business.

“It helps you refine your skills before getting into the grand stage of a standard football field. Like a training ground where you fine-tune your abilities and then unleash them with confidence on the larger pitch as a fully-fledged footballer,” he added.