Bermuda Football Association (BFA) have forged a partnership with the Bermuda Futsal Federation (BFF) to launch a new youth league later this month.The BFF formed 12 months ago, charged a remit to develop the popular five-a-side version of football on the Island and establish leagues at both the junior and senior level.Yesterday they announced an official agreement with the BFA, which will see the pair work together in Bermuda to promote the world’s fastest growing indoor sport.Mark Wade, the BFA player development committee chairman, believes futsal can be an essential development tool for the Island’s young players.“Futsal is the only recognised small-sided game by FIFA. It’s also recognised as a development tool in many countries, specifically in Brazil and more recently with some success in Spain,” said Wade.“As far back at Pele and as far forward at Lionel Messi, all of the top players have at some point played fustal. With that, the BFA have entered into an agreement with the BFF, which will see them organise futsal leagues and seminars to promote the game in Bermuda. It will provide another development tool for our players.”Following the success of the eight-team women’s futsal league, the first on the Island, the BFF now plan to set up a series of boys and girls youth leagues. They also intend to establish a men’s senior division next year.BFF president Peter Sousa said the league, which won by North Village Lady Rams, had proven futsal and the traditional 11-a-side version of the game could happily co-exist.“About a year ago a group of us got together to form the BFF after recognising the important development tool futsal could play,” he said.“We have some ideas to set up Under-14, Under-12 and Under-10 leagues in May or June, and then start back up in September-October as a sort of pre-season to the BFA’s youth leagues.“The women’s league came on leaps and bounds; we’re still getting compliments from players and coaches who are keen to know what’s next.”Over the coming months, the BFF plan to introduce a futsal programme to the local primary and middle schools.Kenny Dill, BFF vice-president, said: “It’s important we ensure the middle school and primary school learn about the game. I’ve been talking to a lot of the younger players and they’re really looking forward to playing futsal.”Top FIFA futsal instructor Graeme Dell visited the Island earlier this month to conduct a-four day coaching course on behalf of the BFA.Among the attendees were former Robin Hood coach Andrew Bascome, St George’s Colts boss Richard Todd and PHC striker Cecoy Robinson.Played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regular football, futsal creates an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique and passing in small spaces.