Futsal Reaches New Heights in America
FC Barcelona Futsal to face PFL Team USA and PFL Team Mexico in PFL International Challenge powered by USA Futsal March 13-15, 2015
One of the planet’s most powerful sports teams and two of the world’s greatest rivals are prepared to headline the inaugural Professional Futsal League International Challenge powered by USA Futsal.
Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona, ranked No. 2 on Forbes magazine’s most valuable sports teams list, and fierce international rivals from Mexico and the United States comprise the three teams competing in the PFL’s first event.
The three-day futsal tournament kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2015 at the Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, TX. Opening night will see FC Barcelona face PFL Team USA, a team comprised of the top futsal players in the United States, many of whom will aspire to become PFL players when the league starts play in November 2016. Considering the PFL will launch with clubs throughout the United States, it’s only fitting that some of the top players from the US compete in this tournament.
“We are excited to bring our team to compete in the tournament this year,” FC Barcelona B coach Andreu Plaza said. “We will give our best effort to win the hearts of the fans who have never seen futsal before and impress those who have already discovered it. We would like to thank (USA Futsal president) Rob Andrews, Donnie Nelson and the rest of the organizing committee for inviting us, and we look forward to a great event.”
The PFL launched in January 2015 and though league play doesn’t begin until November 2016, the PFL will hold several international futsal events in the next 18 months.
The PFL International Challenge powered by USA Futsal will feature the debut of the official Mitre PFL match ball, which features the distinct PFL color pattern crafted by the league’s first corporate partner.
Coach Ramon Raya will lead PFL Team Mexico.
“The PFL arrives just at the right time,” Raya said. “We all know what it means to be in the right place at the right moment and all of us in the world of futsal can see that this is happening with PFL. The expectation that the launch of this league has created all over the planet speaks for itself and is proof that PFL will be a great success.”
“For us, it’s an honor to be part of the beginning of something that in a few years will be remembered as an historical moment for the world of sports. This is how I feel and this is what you will see on the court with the players on that day.”
Information regarding ticket pricing and additional event details will be released this week. Tickets will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. central time Saturday Feb. 7, 2015.
A five-a-side derivative of soccer, futsal is played on a hard court, with out-of-bounds lines rather than the walls associated with American indoor soccer. A weighted ball reduces bounce to produce a vibrant, deft style that highlights individual flair and controlled passing.
PFL commissioner Keith Tozer commented, “To bring FC Barcelona futsal over to the US for our first PFL event, as well as two talented teams comprised of some of the top players from both the United States and Mexico shows the commitment that the PFL has to provide world class professional futsal. Showcasing the PFL International Challenge at the Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, Texas as well as all the other events we have planned will be a great opportunity for investors, corporate sponsors, media and fans to experience the excitement of professional futsal.”
THE PFL INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE
Powered by USA Futsal
Schedule
Friday, March 13
FC Barcelona vs. PFL Team USA
7:30 p.m. Dr Pepper Arena, Frisco, TX
Saturday, March 14
FC Barcelona vs. PFL Team Mexico
2 p.m. Dr Pepper Arena, Frisco, TX
Sunday, March 15
PFL Team USA v PFL Team Mexico
2 p.m. Los Mavs Festival, Gilley’s, Dallas, TX
The PFL launched in January 2015 by investors Donnie Nelson, the Dallas Mavericks general manager and Brian Dick, the president, CEO and founder of Quest Resource Holding Corporation. Commissioner Keith Tozer and president Michael Hitchcock lead the PFL. League play will begin in November 2016 with teams from established professional brands as well as new futsal clubs.
USA Futsal was founded by Rob Andrews in 2010 in order to bring the highest level of global futsal opportunities to players, coaches and fans in the United States. USA Futsal currently operates the World Futsal Cup and Women’s Futsal Cup in Spain each year and the World Futsal Championships open to boys and girls at the ESPN Wide World of Sports each summer as a part of their multi-year deal signed with Disney Sports in 2014.
