Dawn! …Boom! …Boom!
If you didn't hear the ferocious thud of a futsal ball slamming into the walls of the basement gymnasium at the Newton YMCA last Sunday, you did feel it beneath your feet as you stood in the lobby one floor above. There is no mistake. Spectators flocked to the scene like soldiers charging headfirst into cannon fire.
Two of the most competitive indoor soccer teams in the league went head-to-head and there was no letting up. The stands were filled with friends, relatives and soccer enthusiasts, all paying attention to the game. All it takes is one good kick and a small distraction to ensure you don't end up with a black eye or worse.
The gym was filled with chatter in at least two different languages. The cheers and jeers came as fiercely as the kicks from players on both teams. The game is fast-paced, but just as competitive and physically exhausting as the outdoor sport it originates from. Perhaps even more so.
Over the past few months, indoor soccer league competition has created a community of its own at the YMCA. Eric Zehr, director of operations at the Newton YMCA, said it's a “clash of cultures.” It's a melting pot of sports fans. The team is made up of players from different backgrounds and communities.
There is a strong representation of Hispanic teams, and some are sponsored by local businesses, like El Sombrero, a Mexican restaurant in Newton. There is a team made up of players of African descent. Newton High School soccer players also participated. Cardinals who attend Central College also appear.
Middle-aged parents from around town also formed a team. Skill levels may vary, but each group shares the same passion for the sport. Zehr, who also referees the game, said the best part was seeing the whole family come together and the team showing respect for each other.
“Some matches can be very one-sided, but they will still look out for each other and display good sportsmanship and competitiveness, changing their skill level to suit their opponent.” Zea said. “And, to be honest, I like watching them play. I'm really glad I got to watch this league.”
He added that the players are so good that it feels like they have a string tied to the ball. Zehr was surprised at how easy it was.
“Their talent is amazing,” he said.
How did the Indoor Soccer League come about?
The idea to host a futsal league (also known as indoor soccer) came from members of the Newton YMCA. The member, an employee of Grinnell-based Jeld Wen, said he often played soccer outdoors with friends on weekends, but it was getting too cold.
“They were looking for somewhere indoors to move around,” Zehr said. “We try to keep as much gym space open for public use as possible. But we thought, 'Why not create a league together?' So instead of renting a gym, you pay this small fee to join a league and get set up on a regular basis. ”
What started as a suggestion from one member has evolved into a fun and highly competitive league environment. Zehr said the YMCA strives to make the game fun and fair for everyone involved, which helps the organization achieve its goal of meeting the needs and desires of the community.
Last weekend was the last game of the regular season, but indoor soccer will continue with the YMCA Cup on Sunday, March 17th. Ten teams will compete in both gyms in this postseason slot. Zea said all matches will be played in one day and a champion will be crowned by the end.
“There will be nine games between the two gyms,” he said.
Zea is already excited to see how the tournament will pan out and how well-attended the indoor soccer player community will be.
He also expects a series of tough games over the weekend.
“Futsal is not easy. You can't just kick the ball and hope it goes somewhere,” he said. “You have to hold every ball tight and accurate. The ability to move the ball through guys like this is very difficult. The players in this league do it so easily. I feel happy to see them show off their abilities.”