DeSoto County players in youth futsal nationals

Grind City Futsal second in USYF national, U.S. National Futsal Championships next in Las Vegas.

Photo: Grind City Futsal with coach Danny Dragunitis. (Courtesy photo)

The Grind City Futsal team, which includes players from Lewisburg and DeSoto Central high schools, finished second the United States Youth Futsal (USYF) U19 national championships this week in Kansas City, Missouri.

The team, which also includes players from Harding Academy, along with Arlington and Collierville High Schools, reached the finals before falling in the championship game 6-3 to S.W.A.T. (Soccer With A ‘Tude) from Little Elm, Texas.

The team now moves on to Las Vegas, Nevada to play in another national championship, the U.S. National Futsal Championship. The team is coached by Danny Dragunitis.

The game is played five-a-side similar to soccer but on a hard surface area, such as a basketball court.  The game teaches players to play in multiple positions, make quick decisions, and play under pressure.  The ball used is a low bounce ball that encourages more ball control and manipulation. Many top soccer players state playing futsal helped in their skill development.