Coaches and players involved with Gateway Futsal, the Super F League affiliate in St. Louis, have an unusual opportunity – learning the game from a two-time Futsal World Cup championship coach.

Takâo, now a professor in St. Louis, won FIFA futsal titles as Brazil’s national coach in 1992 and 1996. As Brazil’s coach, his teams won 150 games and lost just two and won 19 of the 20 international tournaments they entered.

Takâo shared his knowledge of the game with Gateway Futsal coaches during introductory clinics in November. Those who were interested, have since moved on to earn a Level I Futsal Certification License through the Academia de FUTSAl Takâo, the coach’s organization.

Thirty-five Gateway coaches attended the introductory session, League Director John Sciore said.

The five-hour certification course will serve as the prerequisite for a Level II licensing course that Takâo plans to offer next year. A future Level III certification for more advanced coaches is also planned..

Gateway Futsal is in its eighth season and is among Super F’s largest leagues. For information about the licensing courses, contact Sciore at developmentdirector@superfleague.com or call 314-604-4801.