Training With The Best: CFA Sends 7 Talented Athletes To Spain
In February 2024, a group of talented Columbus Futsal Academy athletes recently earned selection for United Futsal’s prestigious FUTURES™ and PRO-X™ training programs.
Seven players aged 9-15 got the unique chance to live, train, and play like professional athletes in Spain for one week and received rigorous training sessions with elite coaches from around the world.
Among the talented youth athletes selected for the FUTURES™ program were Liam White (2008), Beck Fowler (2009), Bennett McCutcheon (2012), Holden Fitzwater (2012), and Porter McCutcheon (2014), while players Joel Barson (2012) and Taylor Wolf (2012) attended the PRO-X program in Valencia, Spain. Additional CFA athletes showed exceptional talent and were also selected, but unable to attend.
Getting an invite is no easy feat. Player performance is meticulously tracked through each game with the Vault XP system, ensuring that the best talent receives an invitation to prestigious events like the National Training Camp (NTC). This exclusive camp, open only to CCS athletes, provides further advanced training and development opportunities. From there, standout players are invited to join the FUTURES™ or PRO-X™ programs.
Columbus Futsal Academy players who received invitations to attend the 2024 National Training Camp (NTC) this week (June 24-28) in Richmond, Virginia include James McKirgan (2011), Bennett McCutcheon (2012), Benton Shaffer (2012), Holden Fitzwater (2012), Joel Barson (2012), Taylor Wolf (2012), Sharief Shaheen (2013), Claire Barson (2014), Porter McCutcheon (2014), Adam Shaheen (2015), Nolan Schauer (2015), Warren Squire-Ides (2015), and Sahil Williams (2016).
About the United Futsal FUTURES™ and PRO-X™ Programs
United Futsal is a global leader in youth futsal development. Since 2010, they've hosted high-level tournaments and training programs that have engaged over 100,000 participants from 25 countries.
United Futsal offers a comprehensive pathway for futsal athletes, starting with the Champions Cup Series (CCS). This annual competition is a cornerstone for teams, coaches, players, and referees, beginning with conference finals and culminating in the National and World Championships in Orlando. The pinnacle is the World Futsal Cup in Barcelona for top teams who place first and earn their way from the World Championship in Orlando.
Held in Blanes, Spain, FUTURES™ is designed for top international youth futsal players and mimics the lifestyle of professional athletes. Participants from across the continents train with elite coaches from renowned futsal clubs such as FC Barcelona, Corinthians, and SL Benfica.
“As the 2024 Futures MVP, United Futsal brought the best out of me with world-class coaching paired with international competition. The teammates I played with are now some of my best friends. I’m ready to earn my way back to Spain." - Holden Fitzwater (2012)
The PRO-X™ program is another elite international training experience for like-minded youth futsal players. Held in Benidorm and Valencia, Spain, this program partners with Levante UD FS, a top Spanish futsal club.
The schedule for the athletes in these programs is intense and immersive. From dawn till dusk, they, live, eat, and train like professional athletes along with hundreds of other youth players hand-selected worldwide. Athletes are accommodated in dorm-style living arrangements with a roommate. Parents are welcome on the trip if they opt to attend, and can choose separate accommodations if they wish.
“I’m excited to use the skills I learned at Pro- X and show them off at NTC. NTC allows me to come together with friends I met in Spain to play the great sport of futsal that I love.”-Taylor Wolf (2012)
Players practice under the guidance of top coaches from Spain and the United States and learn advanced techniques like ball control, tactical awareness, and strategic play. The camaraderie among players grows as they navigate through friendly matches against international peers.
When they're not balling, players get to explore Spain through city tours, visit professional futsal clubs, and even root for their favorite players during professional matches.
While both United Futsal programs undoubtedly strengthen players' skills and expose them to diverse playing styles, the experience goes beyond technical and tactical training. The FUTURES™ and PRO-X™ programs also give ballers the chance to experience cultural immersion and team-building activities.
When the ballers return home, they do so not only as better players, but also with a broader worldview and enhanced soft skills. They learn to adapt to new environments, collaborate with international peers, and bring these experiences back to their communities.
We’re Unlocking Opportunities for Young Athletes
Columbus Futsal has been collaborating with United Futsal on various programs since 2018. Through this partnership, we're able to open the door to trips and programs like FUTURES™ and PRO-X™ to our top players. These experiences are not just about becoming better futsal players, but also shaping well-rounded young athletes who can bring valuable lessons back to their local club teams, schools, and friends.
At CFA, we reach families all over Central Ohio through engaging fan experiences, youth training, free play, elite competitions, and community clinics. Ready to play how the world plays? Register for the 2024/25 season youth tryouts and start leveling up today!
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