As part of its GET IN to Football campaign, New Zealand Football is urging more Kiwis to take up the beautiful game. In the latest of a series of interviews with people already involved in football, we chatted with New Zealand Football Futsal Development Manager Josh Margetts, who also stars for the Futsal Whites national team, about how he got into the game and what he enjoys about it.

How did you get into futsal?

I was first exposed to futsal while I was in secondary school at Hamilton Boys’ High School. We had an inter-house tournament that was changed from indoor soccer into futsal, everyone loved it! Then once I went to university at Massey Palmerston North, I entered into the local senior futsal leagues run by Central Football. I’ve never looked back since!

What do you enjoy about being involved in futsal?

There are so many positives about playing futsal in New Zealand. The fast-paced, technical and tactical elements of the game are an unbelievable development tool for both futsal and football players growing up. Our diverse, friendly and passionate community across the country is such a strength to the continued development of the sport in New Zealand.

What does your current role in futsal entail?

I work closely with the futsal and football development teams across the seven member federations to ensure they are supported with the strategy, guidance and resources necessary to grow the participation base, retain players and increase the quality of futsal within their particular regions and nationwide.

What are you excited about in your role this year and why?

The GET IN to Futsal Road Shows will be the key priority this year with all seven federations implementing community futsal activity to target their key growth areas. This may include community coach education courses, referee education courses and futsal festivals that cater to all ages and demographics. These road shows are an excellent way to promote futsal activity leading into organised federation competitions. To find out more information on when these road shows are on and what they include, keep an eye out on the NZF Futsal Facebook page and also the relevant federation social media and websites.

Why do you think someone should get involved in futsal?

Futsal is an all-encompassing, all-inclusive sport in New Zealand that is proving to suit the modern lifestyle. The exciting, enjoyable and beneficial aspects that futsal brings are proving to be a popular alternative to traditional sports, as well as attracting new people to participate in organised sport in New Zealand. The coach, referee and administrator pathways that exist in futsal allow for anyone to be able to pursue their area of interest.