frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IL FFA Teams Program and other club’s Futsal Technical Training?
The ILFFA team program is designed to focus on Futsal tactical and technical aspects in a team and competitive environment. Our goal is to identify top Futsal players in Illinois and teach the proper technical and tactical aspects of Futsal so the benefits translate to outdoor soccer at an exponential rate. As we do not compete with youth soccer clubs, our program serve as complementary developmental tool for competitive players. In addition, with other Futsal Factory Academy locations, Illinois players may have a chance to compete and play with other FFA players in different events.
How teams will be formed?
Teams will be formed considering the ability level of each individual. Teams will be formed with a minimal of 7 and maximum of 9 players for competition. If not enough in a specific age group, IL FFA may merge age groups. For example, if we have (5) 2002 Players and (3) 2003 Players we may choose to merge the two groups and form one team, should the skill level and development of the players benefit from training and competing together.
Training Sessions?
Once teams are finalized, we do our best to pair up “like” teams for training. This means that two 07 Boys team could train together, or an 07B and 08B teams or 07G and 08B team may train together.
My child is pretty advanced for his/her age, can he/she be moved to an older age group team?
Each player will be evaluated by IL FFA coaches. As mentioned above, IL FFA will consider the ability level of each individual when forming teams. We want to create a challenging, learning environment where each player is still able to succeed and perform at its best. Please consider: due the need of different and specific abilities in Futsal, a soccer player may be able to perform at a higher or lower level in a Futsal competitive environment.
What if my child’s practices/games interfere with his/her outdoor club?
We have set our schedule in a way to minimize conflicts with outdoor practices, but conflicts might still happen in some instances. At ILFFA we understand the well-being of players and will be flexible with conflicts with outdoor practices and/or games. We hope the youth outdoor club your child is part of also understands the minimal conflict ILFFA Winter program may have to their Winter activities. A clear line of communication is desired and each situation may be different. Players are strongly recommended to attend all practices and games for higher learning and development.
What if the majority of players in my child’s ILFFA Team has a conflict for a tournament announced?
ILFFA will look to replace with another tournament or generate refund for the tournament unattended.
Can my team play in more events than the number of tournaments listed in the program?
Program fee includes registration for the amount of tournaments announced for the season. Additional events such as tournaments and scrimmages will be offered and voted by team members. Between our IL program and other FFA locations, there are many opportunities for players to play/do more if they want.
My child is a great player, but he/she has a conflict for the Evaluation Nights. Can he/she still join the IL FFA Program?
Players will be evaluated for proper placement during the two Evaluation Night sessions and will have priority earning a spot on a team. Please email Director Daniel Mattos ([email protected]) directly to discuss the situation.
Will my child’s team be assigned a coach?
Futsal Factory Academy Technical Director and Illinois FFA founder, coach Daniel Mattos, is responsible for the Training Curriculum and will be leading the training sessions with other ILFFA coaches. As part of our methodology, teams will experience working with different coaches throughout the season. Teams will have a coach assigned for a tournament. We will utilize the session(s) prior a tournament to make sure a coach spends more time with their respective team for the tournament. If multiple teams advance during a tournament, the staff and Coach Daniel will make decisions on what coaches will coach their teams and what coaches will cover. Coaches bios are provided in the “Coaches & Trainers” section of our IL FFA website tab. Program Coaches
What should a player bring to Evaluation Night and/or IL FFA practices?
Flat shoes only (Futsal shoes extremely recommended). Players must wear shin guards and bring their own water bottle. Players may wear whatever they like to Evaluation Nights. Players will be asked to wear black shorts and socks and IL FFA Training T-shirt for practice. Futsal balls will be provided by IL FFA.
What if my child only wants to train, but does not want to compete in any tournament?
The Illinois Futsal Factory Academy Team program is designed to challenge each player by training and playing as a team in a competitive environment. Individual considerations will be made considering team formation needs, current numbers and upcoming conflicts in the middle of the season.
Will the teams formed continue after the Winter or Summer for upcoming seasons?
The previous season Academy players will have incentives as returning players from Winter to Summer. Evaluation Nights may still be held prior upcoming season starts.
Will IL FFA offer other programs for individual player's development, such as clinics, camps, etc.?
Other programs will be offered in the near future considering availability of players, coaches and facilities. Stay tuned for announcements via email and follow us on Facebook page (link below) and on Instagram @ilfutsalfactoryacademy.
What is the program's Coaching Methodology?
- We pride ourselves in not only our Futsal experience but also our outdoor experience. Here at Futsal Factory Academy, we teach the game of Futsal and how it translates to the outdoor game.
- Our curriculum is designed to teach the basics to advanced technical and tactical parts of the game as we emphasize first touch, decision making on the ball, movement off the ball and offensive/defensive accountability
- Our 6 stars represent our 6 core values. We talk about a different core value every few trainings. They are Passion, Honor (Respect), Discovery, Unity, Strength, and Transformation
- Playing time – With exception to the last 5-8 min of a game, we do our best to rotate players as evenly as possible. Considering each player's development phase and the competitiveness of the program, we want players to learn and get better.
How can I start the ILFFA program in my region or my facility?
Please contact Director Daniel Mattos at [email protected] to discuss opportunities.