Brazilian soccer is sweeping the nation and has arrived in South East Wales. Craig Freeman, head coach of Brazilian Soccer Schools Cardiff, describes the appeal of Futebol de Salao.

We have all watched with wonder at the Brazilian National team. They are the ultimate football champions and few can match them in talent. You may ask yourself how can a nation produce so many world class players, well the secret behind their success is a game called Futebol de Salao and now this secret is being shared with young players in South East Wales.

The Schools

Brazilian Soccer Schools (BSS) are aimed at children from 5 to 16. By attending BSS training sessions the players are able to improve and develop on their football skills and techniques.

The training ethos mirrors that of Brazil in that young players are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with the ball developing their skills. Indoor training sessions are very fast and normally incorporate the use of samba music to maintain an exciting, progressive and enjoyable atmosphere.

The BSS are not trying to clone Brazilian football players - the aim is to combine the very best elements of the Brazilian footballer with those of the British footballer, and we want to help develop young players who are technically perfect as well as being as fit, fast and strong as possible.

"Play Futebol de Salao and you're learning to play beautiful football." - Careca

Futebol de Salao (football of the hall) is a fast moving five-a-side game originated from Brazil. The game is played without rebound boards on a hard basketball court-sizes pitch using a specially designed ball. There is no height restriction - however for safety reasons heading is not permitted.

The nature of the game and the design of the ball combine to make Futebol de Salao an exciting sport suitable for both girls and boys. This and the associated training and coaching methods, focus on developing players as creative, skilful and confident young footballers.

The game is played with a specially designed ball produced by Mitre. It differs from a conventional ball in a number of ways: it is smaller (size 2) than a conventional ball (size 5), heavier and is filled with foam to reduce its bounce (10%). This encourages the players to use their football skills and to increase passing throughout a game.

Brazilian football legends Pele, Zico, Careca, Ronaldo all boast how Futebol de Salao was the reason behind their success and the benefits that it can bring to a young player.

"This is how I got started. This is my love, the thing that I enjoyed the most." - Ronaldo

Coaches

Craig Freeman and Gareth Ellis from Brazilian Soccer Schools Cardiff attended an annual coaching event hosted by Futebol de Salao in Leeds, where Mr Woo (T-mobile advert) and Paulo Cesar (1970 World Cup Champion) were special guests. The event brought Brazilian coaches from all over the world giving them a chance to share their experiences and thoughts with each other.

Paulo Cesar offered inspiration and encouragement to the coaches and was able to notice the importance that Brazilian Soccer Schools has played in the UK. He was pleased to watch and learn how Simon Clifford, founder of International Confederation of Futebol de Salao, has introduced a training scheme to develop youngsters into becoming some of the most talented footballers of their age.

All Coaching Staff hold UKCFDS Coaching Certificates, NSPCC Child Protection Qualifications and are screened by the police.

Next step

Classes are run at various locations on weeknights, and if anyone is interested please contact Craig Freeman on 029 2056 4008.

Craig Freeman - Brazilian Soccer Schools Cardiff