McDowell’s to kickoff Futsal Friendzy

McDowell’s Celebration has announced the launch of Futsal Friendzy, a tournament based on a new, fast-paced and shorter version of football, creating waves internationally. Futsal is played between teams of five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper, on a smaller area with a smaller ball which bounces less than regular football.

The rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces allowing for acceleration in the game. McDowell’s Futsal Friendzy will be held over a period of 45 days, covering football hotspots across the country that includes Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bangalore and Kochi.

According to PAB Sargunar, Chief Operating Officer, United Spirits Limited, “McDowell’s Celebration has a long standing association with Football, as the principal sponsor of the McDowell Mohun Bagan football team. With the onset of the football season and winters, we believe this is the perfect time to bring to India a format of football that will appeal both to the amateur and the professional footballers. McDowell’s Futsal Friendzy will be a good warm up for the season and a team bonding sport. The series promises to showcase fierce competition and fresh talent with leading footballers on the team selection panel.”

McDowell’s Futsal Friendzy is associated with McDowell’s No.1 Celebration Rum, which had registered sales of over 8 million cases in 2007-08. Futsal Friendzy is expected further strengthen the brand’s engagement with its consumers and increase share of market, which currently stands at 52 per cent..

The highlight of the event will be the participation of the Mohun Bagan team and icons such as Baichung Bhutia and Jose Ramirez Barreto.  “Futsal is a very popular sport internationally and attracts a significant interest and participation from all quarters. The launch of McDowell’s Futsal Friendzy is a great step forward in popularizing this unique format in India and comes in at the right time when the football fever is at its peak,” according to both of these football stars.

The final play will be held in Kolkata, in December week 3, with the finalists playing against select players from the Mohun Bagan club. The winners will also receive a cash prize.

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