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Huron Expositor, 2004-03-03, Page 1212 -THE HURON EXPOSITOR, MARCH 3, 2004 Sports Futsal takingform as area's new winter sport MacKichan, who also plays for the St. Columban men's soccer team. Futsal players are between the ages of 16 and 23. St. Columban players come from Dublin and Seaforth as well. MacKichan said there is one goalie and four players on the field at all times attd three to four substitutes to a team. McEwan said the perimeter for the futsal field is smaller than a soccer field because it is played indoors. He also said the futsal ball is smaller than a soccer ball and has a low bounce to maintain control. Sy Sara Campbell Expositor Staff It's not played outdoors and the rules are not quite like soccer but futsal is the latest sports craze to hit the area. "It's a, totally new sports league to the area," said Ian MacKichan, coach and player for the St. Columban men's futsal team. "It's just a lot of fun and a great time together with the guys." MacKichan has been • playing in the futsal league since it formed two years ago through George McEwan, of Exeter. "Eight years ago, I started • an indoor soccer team in South Huron, which I used to play in London when I lived there. Then two years ago, the futsal league formed and it just grew from there," said McEwan. He added that a women's league started five years but the St. Columban women's futsal team folded this year. The futsal league includes teams from Goderich, Exeter Grand Bend, Straford and St. Columban, said McEwan. He said the league is a member of the Ontario Futsal Association that formed in 1993. During the first year of tho league, McEwan said games were held in Huron Park. Today, he said the league meets at South Huron District High School in Exeter. The season starts in late December and runs until early April. The league practises on Wednesday nights beginning at 7 p.m. and spectators are welcome. McEwan said the league also participates in the Ontario Futsal Association championships which will be held this year from March 12 to 14 in Waterloo. "It's nice to have something to do in the winter for the guys who play soccer in the summer," said Sara Campbell photos Power play The Seaforth Bantam team played their second game in a final series against Harrow last Saturday at the Seaoforth arena. Seaforth battled hard but not enough to win as Harrow won 4-2 (Above) The puck flew behind the net during a power play within the first two minutes of the game The team plays the third game of the sees in Harrow on Friday " T h e essential rules for futsal are the same as soccer but the rules are more safety oriented," he said. MacKichan agreed that the rules for futsal are similar to soccer but it is a more fast paced game. He added that it is not a physical contact sport because it is held indoors on hard surfaces. "It's a clean sport, everybody has respect for each other and knows we Ian MacKichan, coach and player.for the 5t. Columban men's futsal team have to go back to work the next day," he said. McEwan said new players or those interested in forming a new team in the league a r e welcomed to join anytime. "It takes leadership to form a team and keep it going. Leadership is a major part of a team," he said. For more information contact McEwan at 519-235- 3323. Brian E. Wightman Certified General Accountant 64 Main St., Seaforth (519)527-1331 Brian Wightman • Accounting & Bookkeeping • Personal & Corporate Tax • Farm, Business & Individual Tax Planning Call for a free consultation at my office, your hone or business. 527-1331 HUDSON'S MEN'S & YOUNG MEN'S FASHIONS Thursday March 4th, Friday March 5th and Saturday March 6th Long Slee Sport Shirt Re $49.95 ABOUT 75 Long Sleeve Dress Shirts Re . $39.95 No+ 79 WINTER STORE HOURS Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5:30 pm Friday 9amto9pm 271-9520 Toll Free 1-800-533-4270 c4 HWY IS TO CLINTON /5/(,, j;* it<Ptario St. HWY 17119 TO LONDON o'* O Waterloo S HWY 119 TO LISTOWEL HWY MR TO KITCNENER 141 Downie St. Stratford