Clàudia Pons on the development of women’s futsal

During the discussion, Pons, who also coaches the youth national teams, talks about her background in futsal, how the women’s game has developed and the importance of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup™.

Part 1: A journey into futsal
Pons started playing football with boys at school, but later realised that she preferred futsal and joined a team. She turned professional and subsequently played for the national team. After her playing career, Pons started working as a youth coach for the Spanish Football Association, before taking the helm of the national team.

Part 2: The development of women’s futsal
Pons explains that futsal is the same sport whether played by men or women, even though the men’s game can be more explosive and quicker. She stresses that in terms of preparation and putting together a team, the process is the same. She also explains that the Spanish Football Association’s methodology relies on the work of the clubs and individual players. Developing a distinctive methodology has led to a lot of Spanish success on the pitch.

Part 3: The FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup
The creation by FIFA of the Futsal Women’s World Cup is a vital development, Pons stresses –not just for the Spanish team, but also for the development of women’s futsal globally. She notes that the game needs to grow and be seen, and that the high standard of women’s futsal needs to be recognised.