KAPAA — Karl Muelheims of Spokane, Washington, is not happy he is leaving tonight.
Originally scheduled to leave after the Second All Saints Indoor Sports Futsal Tournament, Muelheims said he has to leave today because of tryouts for the Whitworth University soccer team.
The All Saints Episcopal Church is hosting the second tournament Saturday with the youth groups starting at 10 a.m. and the adult teams taking the court at 2:30 p.m. at the All Saints Gym in Kapaa.
“Some of the times may have to be adjusted,” said Sybil Nishioka, tournament coordinator. “This is just the second year, and we already have a wait list for the under 10 age group. This is a new age group from last year’s tournament.”
Muelheims, visiting with Shane Nishioka-Healy, a former Kapaa High School soccer standout, said he’s been playing futsal since he was a child.
“We play futsal during the winter when there is a lot of snow and we are indoors,” Muelheims said. “The difference is that it’s hot here. I made the mistake of packing my long-sleeved shirts.”
Nishioka-Healy, who plays college soccer with Muelheims, said he used to play futsal on Monday nights at the Kapaa Inline Hockey rink.
“It definitely takes a lot more quick thinking,” the former Warrior goalkeeper said. “You work a lot on first touches, and it teaches you to play faster because there’s less space.”
Nishioka-Healy will be among the adult age group, leaving for Whitworth on Sunday following the tournament.
Other age groups in the one-day tournament include the under 10, under 12, under 14, under 17, and adult categories.
“Futsal is really growing on this island,” Nishioka said. “Kalaheo has a big program and they’ve signed up a bunch of teams.”
Kaylee Overmyer, a defender with the Kapaa High School girls soccer team, said she’ll be playing for the second time, having played during last year’s tournament.
“You use more dribbling and ball skills in futsal,” Overmyer said. “In field, or outdoor soccer, you do a lot more passing.”
Call 651-7773, email halelani@hawaiiantel.net, or visit www.allsaintskauai.org/asis-futsal-tournament.html for more information.
