Coach Anson Dorrance Advocates for Futsal as key for Player Development at NCYSA Soccer Symposium

On Saturday, January 25th, the NCYSA Soccer Symposium in Greensboro, NC, brought together coaches, players, and organizations passionate about advancing the beautiful game. Among the distinguished speakers was legendary coach Anson Dorrance, whose speech emphasized the transformative role of futsal in shaping the future of soccer in the United States.

As one of the most successful and influential figures in soccer history, Dorrance’s message carried immense weight. He highlighted the need for innovative approaches to how the game is played, coached, and experienced—both on and off the court.

Anson Dorrance: A Pioneer in Soccer Development

For those unfamiliar with his unparalleled legacy, Anson Dorrance is widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in the history of athletics. Over his illustrious career, he has led the University of North Carolina’s women’s soccer team to an astonishing 21 NCAA championships and has amassed the most successful coaching record in the sport’s history. Dorrance was also the head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, leading them to victory in the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991.

Dorrance’s influence extends beyond trophies and accolades. He is credited with elevating women’s soccer to global prominence, nurturing generations of players, and introducing innovative coaching techniques that continue to shape the sport. His commitment to player development and his forward-thinking approach have earned him a reputation as a pioneer, not just in soccer but in athletics as a whole.

His program at UNC has developed some of the biggest names in soccer history, including Mia Hamm, Tobin Heath, Kristine Lilly, Heather O’Reilly, and countless others who have represented the U.S. on the global stage. Yet, despite his decades of success, Dorrance’s passion for the game has shifted toward finding ways to improve the player experience and advocating for futsal as the next big step in soccer development.

Futsal: The Missing Piece in U.S. Soccer Development

Dorrance opened his speech by stressing the need for futsal to become a mandatory component for soccer clubs during the winter and summer months, specifically from December through February. He explained that futsal’s fast-paced, high-touch environment accelerates skill development in ways traditional outdoor soccer cannot replicate.

“The way the US will stay on top of the world is if we can push this unique brand of the game,” Dorrance stated, underscoring futsal’s ability to develop technically proficient and creative players.

Monday Night Futsal: The Secret to Success at UNC

Dorrance revealed how futsal has played a pivotal role in the development of some of his most successful players at UNC.

“The best training day for players like Mia Hamm and Tobin Heath was Monday Night Futsal,” he shared. The smaller spaces, fast decision-making, and constant involvement provided by futsal helped these players hone their technical skills, creativity, and ability to perform under pressure—all of which translated seamlessly to the outdoor game.

This insight from one of the most successful collegiate soccer programs in history highlights the undeniable value of futsal in creating world-class players.

Futsal Player Development: A Game-Changing Approach

Dorrance also spoke candidly about one of the most alarming trends in youth soccer: player burnout. He highlighted how many young athletes are quitting the game at ages 12, 13, and 14 due to the immense pressure placed on them by their clubs.

“These players are being pushed too hard to make the A team, while families are required to travel hours for a single game in so-called ‘elite competitions,’” he said. Dorrance believes this approach not only robs kids of the joy of playing but also contributes to the growing dropout rate in youth soccer.

Futsal, he argued, could be the solution. By offering a more skill-focused, engaging, and less demanding alternative, futsal allows players to rediscover the fun and creativity of the game without the pressure of long travel and rigid team structures.

The Future of Soccer Lies in Futsal

Toward the end of his speech, Dorrance made a powerful statement: “Soccer has become boring to me.” This surprising remark came with a deeper explanation. He shared his frustration with the stagnation in traditional formats and expressed his desire to explore ways to make the sport more dynamic and engaging.

That’s why he has turned his focus to futsal, calling it the “game of the future.” Dorrance believes futsal offers a more exciting and meaningful experience for players and fans alike, with its emphasis on skill, creativity, and constant action.

FC Bayern Futsal Academy’s Role

As one of North Carolina’s leading futsal organizations, we were honored to be invited by Dorrance to this prestigious event. Our coaches, Thiago and Joel, had the privilege of attending the symposium and engaging directly with Coach Dorrance. During their conversation, they shared the mission and vision of our futsal academy, focusing on making futsal more accessible year-round and helping it gain the recognition it deserves.

Thiago and Joel also discussed the challenges facing youth players and families, including the current system’s emphasis on extensive travel for games in traditional formats. Together with Dorrance, they explored how futsal can offer a cost-effective, skill-focused alternative that prioritizes player development over logistics.

A Call to Action

The NCYSA Soccer Symposium served as an inspiring reminder of futsal’s potential to reshape soccer in the U.S. Coach Anson Dorrance’s endorsement of futsal underscores its growing importance and its ability to develop smarter, more technical players. His ideas challenge all of us—players, coaches, and clubs alike—to rethink how we approach the sport.

At the FC Bayern Futsal Academy, we are proud to lead this charge in North Carolina. Whether it’s through our year-round training programs or our commitment to developing future futsal and soccer stars, we’re dedicated to making Dorrance’s vision a reality.

Stay tuned as we continue working to grow futsal and help players thrive in the beautiful game. Together, we’re shaping the future—one touch at a time.

Visit www.futsalta.com to learn more about our Futsal options for players.