A team that includes soccer players from DeSoto County recently finished third in the U.S. National Futsal Championships played in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was the first appearance at the national for the team, coached by Rafa Rodriguez of Memphis, the owner of Grind City Futsal. It’s the only USYF-sanctioned futsal team in the Mid-South area.
The team, playing in the U19 division, finished with a 2-1-1 record for the national tournament.
The squad included players from DeSoto Central, Lewisburg, as well as from Harding Academy, Arlington and Collierville High Schools. The DeSoto County players are Ann Marie Barton (DeSoto Central}; Isabella Rivino (DeSoto Central), Bella Moore (Lewisburg) and Ruby Barton (DeSoto Central).
Futsal 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.
DeSoto County members of Grind City Futsal. (Courtesy photo)
Bob Bakken is the most recognized and most trusted name in DeSoto County news and sports reporting, as readers continue to express their appreciation for his accuracy and fairness in the stories he writes. Bob is also heard on 95.3 The Rebel twice a week with sports updates and high school football play-by-play broadcasts in the fall. A former newspaper editor and writer, his award-winning background also includes television news producing, sports media relations, and radio broadcasting.
