Senda News
Senda Players Compete at the Futsal World Cup Qualifiers in Brazil
Now with the time that we have while we look forward to the 2021 tournament, we can look back at how each team played in the South American Futsal World Cup Qualifiers. Ignacio "Nacho" Laudano, Head of Product at the Senda team was present at the game, meeting with the best players in the continent who are interested in playing in Senda futsal shoes joining our fastly growing community. Senda’s Ignacio “Nacho” with Paraguay National Team player Richard Rejala Ignacio witnessed the event from a very unique perspective and got to be a part of the behind the scenes action that took place in Carlos Barbosa, Brazil in early February. Out of the ten teams that competed four were set to advance to the Futsal 2020 World Cup. Coming in first place was the defending champion, Argentina. They defeated second place, Brazil, during the finals in a 3-1 comeback win. The Argentina squad showcased 9 veterans from the 2016 World Cup, and goals were scored by Cristian Borruto, Constantino Vaporaki, and Pablo Taborda. Argentina’s national team goalkeeper and teammate were photographed by Ignacio wearing the USHUAIA PRO futsal shoes. Goalkeeper Lucas Farach and Ala Santiago Basile Despite Brazil’s loss in the final they still had an impressive road to the championship. They racked up 24 goals in five wins and zero goals scored against, making this team a serious contender for the 2020 World Futsal Cup. Third place was taken by Paraguay who had an impressive 2-6 win over fourth-place Venezuela. Paraguay’s road to the third-place play-off game came after an impressive showing in the group stage. The group stage split the ten teams into two separate groups, where only the first two teams in each group would advance to the semifinals. Paraguay earned second in their bracket only losing once to the bracket winner, Brazil. Two members of the Paraguay national team were photographed with Senda team member Ignacio, showing their support for the USHUAIA PRO shoes. Paraguay National Team Player Francisco “Pancho” Martinez Villalba The Cinderella story of the tournament is awarded to the Venezuela national team, who will be making their debut in the 2020 World Cup for the first time in history. The Venezuela squad had an impressive showing in the group stage with 12 goals scored and 5 goals against. They finished the stage with 3 wins and one loss to the bracket winner Argentina. Ignacio had the chance to meet and share Senda’s goals with this history-making team. Venezuela National Team players: Milton Francia, Rafael Morillo y Wilson Francia Venezuela National Team player Carlos Vento As a team member with Senda, Ignacio, had the unique opportunity to be behind the scenes with these players. These photos were taken shortly after Ignacio had the chance to play pick up with some of the South American qualifiers, reporters and coaches. As the four qualifying teams prepare to take on the world-class stage, Senda is excited to be a part of their journey and can’t wait to support these players in the 2021 Futsal World Cup. We are proud to be gearing players in high performing and fair trade gear and we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for each of these teams.
Senda Players Compete at the Futsal World Cup Qualifiers in Brazil
Now with the time that we have while we look forward to the 2021 tournament, we can look back at how each team played in the South American Futsal World Cup Qualifiers. Ignacio "Nacho" Laudano, Head of Product at the Senda team was present at the game, meeting with the best players in the continent who are interested in playing in Senda futsal shoes joining our fastly growing community. Senda’s Ignacio “Nacho” with Paraguay National Team player Richard Rejala Ignacio witnessed the event from a very unique perspective and got to be a part of the behind the scenes action that took place in Carlos Barbosa, Brazil in early February. Out of the ten teams that competed four were set to advance to the Futsal 2020 World Cup. Coming in first place was the defending champion, Argentina. They defeated second place, Brazil, during the finals in a 3-1 comeback win. The Argentina squad showcased 9 veterans from the 2016 World Cup, and goals were scored by Cristian Borruto, Constantino Vaporaki, and Pablo Taborda. Argentina’s national team goalkeeper and teammate were photographed by Ignacio wearing the USHUAIA PRO futsal shoes. Goalkeeper Lucas Farach and Ala Santiago Basile Despite Brazil’s loss in the final they still had an impressive road to the championship. They racked up 24 goals in five wins and zero goals scored against, making this team a serious contender for the 2020 World Futsal Cup. Third place was taken by Paraguay who had an impressive 2-6 win over fourth-place Venezuela. Paraguay’s road to the third-place play-off game came after an impressive showing in the group stage. The group stage split the ten teams into two separate groups, where only the first two teams in each group would advance to the semifinals. Paraguay earned second in their bracket only losing once to the bracket winner, Brazil. Two members of the Paraguay national team were photographed with Senda team member Ignacio, showing their support for the USHUAIA PRO shoes. Paraguay National Team Player Francisco “Pancho” Martinez Villalba The Cinderella story of the tournament is awarded to the Venezuela national team, who will be making their debut in the 2020 World Cup for the first time in history. The Venezuela squad had an impressive showing in the group stage with 12 goals scored and 5 goals against. They finished the stage with 3 wins and one loss to the bracket winner Argentina. Ignacio had the chance to meet and share Senda’s goals with this history-making team. Venezuela National Team players: Milton Francia, Rafael Morillo y Wilson Francia Venezuela National Team player Carlos Vento As a team member with Senda, Ignacio, had the unique opportunity to be behind the scenes with these players. These photos were taken shortly after Ignacio had the chance to play pick up with some of the South American qualifiers, reporters and coaches. As the four qualifying teams prepare to take on the world-class stage, Senda is excited to be a part of their journey and can’t wait to support these players in the 2021 Futsal World Cup. We are proud to be gearing players in high performing and fair trade gear and we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for each of these teams.
Black Lives Matter: We Can No Longer Sit on the Sidelines
The entire Senda team is outraged and saddened by the death of George Floyd and so many others whose lives have ended because of racism in this country. We have watched the events with anger and disbelief that these issues are still so active in our country. Systematic racism is real to so many people around the world and has been going on for far too long.
Black Lives Matter: We Can No Longer Sit on the Sidelines
The entire Senda team is outraged and saddened by the death of George Floyd and so many others whose lives have ended because of racism in this country. We have watched the events with anger and disbelief that these issues are still so active in our country. Systematic racism is real to so many people around the world and has been going on for far too long.
Senda and Mo Ali in Argentina: Training Pro Futsal Players
Senda Athletics had the pleasure of working and going on tour with Mo Ali in Argentina, where he had the opportunity to train and film content with futsal players from the Argentinian club Boca Jrs. and the Argentinian Women's National Futsal team.
Senda and Mo Ali in Argentina: Training Pro Futsal Players
Senda Athletics had the pleasure of working and going on tour with Mo Ali in Argentina, where he had the opportunity to train and film content with futsal players from the Argentinian club Boca Jrs. and the Argentinian Women's National Futsal team.
Introducing the new Senda BAHIA Professional Futsal Ball
Introducing the Bahia Professional Futsal Ball! We are extremely proud to introduce our newest addition to our futsal ball collection: meet the BAHIA Professional Futsal Ball. Since Senda Athletics was founded in 2010, our goal was to create the most premium and ethically made futsal ball on the market. After years of serving our futsal community and disrupting the industry with our high-quality, game-changing balls, it was time for another shakeup. We wanted to create the most premium and technically advanced futsal ball for players who are serious about the game. A ball for the highest-level play, that allows you to express yourself through your game and meets the demands of the best futsal players out there. The Ball With an optimized low bounce, dual-tone cover, and thermally bonded construction, this professional-level futsal ball was built to enable play at the highest level and performance. The Bahia Professional Futsal Ball is unique from other futsal balls because of its specific design. Its low bounce technology makes sure the ball stays close to the ground on courts and hard surfaces during any game for smooth and consistent futsal play. Its dual-tone cover provides and exceptional touch and grip that minimizes ball slip and keeps the ball close to your foot while dribbling handling the ball. Its thermally bonded construction provides a top tier construction for superb durability and minimum water uptake, extending the ball's lifetime. What Pro players think To ensure the Bahia Professional Futsal Ball is the best futsal ball in the market, met the standards and demands of the best futsal players we had early prototypes tested by professional futsal players in Argentina. We work with Senda Athletes like Brian Steccato, Francisco Taliercio, Eli Medina, and Martina Bornia from San Lorenzo Futsal to test the BAHIA Professional Futsal Ball in Buenos Aires. After hours of play, they gave the balls a thumbs up. They appreciated the true touch and bounce of the BAHIA futsal ball, especially when it travels long distances on the court. They were excited to see the ball used in upcoming professional competitions, and we can say that the Senda team is working to make that coming in the months ahead. Ethically Made Additionally, our balls are made in an ethical way by ensuring safe working conditions for all workers. Senda is defined by its commitment to Fair Trade standards. Senda makes the best and most technically advanced futsal and soccer balls— which gives you a better feel and makes all your touches and skills better. And its fair trade production makes it all the better.
Introducing the new Senda BAHIA Professional Futsal Ball
Introducing the Bahia Professional Futsal Ball! We are extremely proud to introduce our newest addition to our futsal ball collection: meet the BAHIA Professional Futsal Ball. Since Senda Athletics was founded in 2010, our goal was to create the most premium and ethically made futsal ball on the market. After years of serving our futsal community and disrupting the industry with our high-quality, game-changing balls, it was time for another shakeup. We wanted to create the most premium and technically advanced futsal ball for players who are serious about the game. A ball for the highest-level play, that allows you to express yourself through your game and meets the demands of the best futsal players out there. The Ball With an optimized low bounce, dual-tone cover, and thermally bonded construction, this professional-level futsal ball was built to enable play at the highest level and performance. The Bahia Professional Futsal Ball is unique from other futsal balls because of its specific design. Its low bounce technology makes sure the ball stays close to the ground on courts and hard surfaces during any game for smooth and consistent futsal play. Its dual-tone cover provides and exceptional touch and grip that minimizes ball slip and keeps the ball close to your foot while dribbling handling the ball. Its thermally bonded construction provides a top tier construction for superb durability and minimum water uptake, extending the ball's lifetime. What Pro players think To ensure the Bahia Professional Futsal Ball is the best futsal ball in the market, met the standards and demands of the best futsal players we had early prototypes tested by professional futsal players in Argentina. We work with Senda Athletes like Brian Steccato, Francisco Taliercio, Eli Medina, and Martina Bornia from San Lorenzo Futsal to test the BAHIA Professional Futsal Ball in Buenos Aires. After hours of play, they gave the balls a thumbs up. They appreciated the true touch and bounce of the BAHIA futsal ball, especially when it travels long distances on the court. They were excited to see the ball used in upcoming professional competitions, and we can say that the Senda team is working to make that coming in the months ahead. Ethically Made Additionally, our balls are made in an ethical way by ensuring safe working conditions for all workers. Senda is defined by its commitment to Fair Trade standards. Senda makes the best and most technically advanced futsal and soccer balls— which gives you a better feel and makes all your touches and skills better. And its fair trade production makes it all the better.
Senda Documentary: Soccer's Path to Fair Trade, Part 2
From the day Senda was founded in 2010, the company's mission was to offer responsibly made soccer and futsal products that not only benefited the buyers but also benefited its producers. Senda founder and CEO, Santiago Halty, embarked on a journey to make this a reality by making sure that Senda would produce Fair Trade certified products. Today we announce the second part of Senda's documentary, in which you will be able to embark on a journey to the factory where the balls are made, and see first hand the impact of Fair Trade. A few years after the company was started, Jeong Huh joined the company and also embarked on a journey to visit Senda's producers and see first hand the impact of Fair Trade on the ground. Jeong has been a key member of the Senda team ever since he joined the company. We would not be where we are today without him, his attention to detail, and his passion for helping others. Fair Trade is a movement of producers, companies, shoppers, and organizations, putting people and the planet first. It is an alternative business model that allows businesses to build a long-term, non-transactional relationship with producers to better their livelihoods. Fair Trade ensures better working conditions, no child labor, and provides an extra money fund that workers in the community decide how to use amongst themselves. Fair Trade is important because it empowers workers to have a voice and to have an opportunity to improve their lives. Factories that Senda partners with provides transportation for their workers, school supplies for their children, and have Fair Trade shops where workers can buy their groceries at a better price. These factories not only help their own workers, they also provide resources for everyone in their communities. Senda is a pioneer in bringing fair trade to futsal and soccer. Santi spent a lot of time in college thinking about Fair Trade and how he could build better and more sustainable relationships with the producers of products. He went out and found suppliers in Pakistan that have gone through the Fair Trade certification, to build relationships with factories that aligned with Senda's mission and beliefs, which is to make very high-quality balls for futsal and soccer while making them in a sustainable way. Santi believes that we’ve always had the resources to provide good working conditions and fair wages for workers to have better lives and Fair Trade is a way to bring this vision to life. Senda's initiative to make responsibly made products also empowers consumers by allowing them to make decisions to buy products that help the livelihood of the people producing the products they are consuming. Consumers can make a true impact in communities around the world by buying Fair Trade certified products like Senda futsal, soccer, freestyle, and beach soccer balls. By buying Senda products, consumers are making an active decision to support Fair Trade and make the world a better and more sustainable place for everyone. We cannot do this without your help, so thank you to everyone that has supported us so far and looking forward to keeping changing the world through soccer. One ball at a time! See you on the court, Santiago, Jeong & The Senda Team PS: You can see Part 1 of Senda: Soccer's Path to Fair Trade below.
Senda Documentary: Soccer's Path to Fair Trade, Part 2
From the day Senda was founded in 2010, the company's mission was to offer responsibly made soccer and futsal products that not only benefited the buyers but also benefited its producers. Senda founder and CEO, Santiago Halty, embarked on a journey to make this a reality by making sure that Senda would produce Fair Trade certified products. Today we announce the second part of Senda's documentary, in which you will be able to embark on a journey to the factory where the balls are made, and see first hand the impact of Fair Trade. A few years after the company was started, Jeong Huh joined the company and also embarked on a journey to visit Senda's producers and see first hand the impact of Fair Trade on the ground. Jeong has been a key member of the Senda team ever since he joined the company. We would not be where we are today without him, his attention to detail, and his passion for helping others. Fair Trade is a movement of producers, companies, shoppers, and organizations, putting people and the planet first. It is an alternative business model that allows businesses to build a long-term, non-transactional relationship with producers to better their livelihoods. Fair Trade ensures better working conditions, no child labor, and provides an extra money fund that workers in the community decide how to use amongst themselves. Fair Trade is important because it empowers workers to have a voice and to have an opportunity to improve their lives. Factories that Senda partners with provides transportation for their workers, school supplies for their children, and have Fair Trade shops where workers can buy their groceries at a better price. These factories not only help their own workers, they also provide resources for everyone in their communities. Senda is a pioneer in bringing fair trade to futsal and soccer. Santi spent a lot of time in college thinking about Fair Trade and how he could build better and more sustainable relationships with the producers of products. He went out and found suppliers in Pakistan that have gone through the Fair Trade certification, to build relationships with factories that aligned with Senda's mission and beliefs, which is to make very high-quality balls for futsal and soccer while making them in a sustainable way. Santi believes that we’ve always had the resources to provide good working conditions and fair wages for workers to have better lives and Fair Trade is a way to bring this vision to life. Senda's initiative to make responsibly made products also empowers consumers by allowing them to make decisions to buy products that help the livelihood of the people producing the products they are consuming. Consumers can make a true impact in communities around the world by buying Fair Trade certified products like Senda futsal, soccer, freestyle, and beach soccer balls. By buying Senda products, consumers are making an active decision to support Fair Trade and make the world a better and more sustainable place for everyone. We cannot do this without your help, so thank you to everyone that has supported us so far and looking forward to keeping changing the world through soccer. One ball at a time! See you on the court, Santiago, Jeong & The Senda Team PS: You can see Part 1 of Senda: Soccer's Path to Fair Trade below.
Senda Spotlight: Alexandria Futsal
Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA) began offering futsal programming in 2012. They began by offering the futsal league as a way to keep youth active throughout the winter. The league was and still is, open to everyone. They offer both travel and recreational divisions so that every child has an appropriate level of competition. ASA launched a Futsal ID program as a more competitive and comprehensive option and a Ball Mastery program to provide youth with fun and engaging futsal practices. "We have continued to refine and add programming as the community demands and needs have evolved across all competition levels. In the past three years, ASA Futsal ID teams have won three National Championships, solidifying our program as a leader in quality, structure, and organization."- Mark Wysocki. Director, Operations & Strategy of ASA Most recently ASA launched men’s and women’s professional teams to offer the highest level of play for adults in the region and to create a player pathway for the younger players. As futsal continues to grow in the United States, ASA hopes to continue driving the conversation around leagues, competitions, and more! ASA trusts in providing quality opportunities for soccer and futsal programming to every child who is interested in playing. They serve a diverse community and are proud to offer scholarship support and free programming to allow and keep youth active and healthy. While winning is fun and important, there are many lessons and long term benefits of playing sports than just taking home trophies. ASA believes in the power of futsal and soccer to teach important lessons and life skills that are applicable to all areas of life. Their focus is on improving the health of kids in the Alexandria community and impacting their lives positively beyond the sports of futsal and soccer. ASA' Futsal ID teams kick off their seasons by competing in a Futsal Cup, hosted [locally] by ASA. It has grown to be one of the largest competitions in the region over the past few years, with teams traveling from as far as Pennsylvania to compete. What is your hope for the futsal industry in the future? How can futsal reach the next level in the US? Is ASA doing anything to further the sport? ASA hopes that futsal in the United States continues to grow in popularity, infrastructure, and support to help create pathways for youth to college and professional teams. They also wish to encourage futsal-specific coaching and parent education as another important role in keeping futsal in the United States expanding and developing. Is the Senda commitment of pledging 1% of our sales to soccer nonprofits important to you? Why? As a nonprofit organization, ASA understands the impact that helping their community and partnerships can have. It’s important to us that we align our support of and product usage with businesses like Senda who believe in the impact of sports and providing access to all children. Why did you choose Senda futsal balls? Over the past 9 years, ASA has overseen a wide array of top-tier futsal programming. We had yet to land on a reliable, long-lasting futsal ball to meet the needs of all of our futsal efforts until this past summer. ASA collaborated with Senda within our summer futsal Ball Mastery program to sample the Rio Training futsal ball, the Vitoria Match futsal ball and the Street Freestyle ball. Fast-forward 6 months...our ASA coaching staff and players are thrilled with the product in its quality, durability, and flair on the court. It’s also a nice touch that the Senda balls are fair trade certified to carry out a larger mission. Learn more about Alexandria Soccer Association at http://www.alexandria-soccer.org and on their social media at @alexandriasoc
Senda Spotlight: Alexandria Futsal
Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA) began offering futsal programming in 2012. They began by offering the futsal league as a way to keep youth active throughout the winter. The league was and still is, open to everyone. They offer both travel and recreational divisions so that every child has an appropriate level of competition. ASA launched a Futsal ID program as a more competitive and comprehensive option and a Ball Mastery program to provide youth with fun and engaging futsal practices. "We have continued to refine and add programming as the community demands and needs have evolved across all competition levels. In the past three years, ASA Futsal ID teams have won three National Championships, solidifying our program as a leader in quality, structure, and organization."- Mark Wysocki. Director, Operations & Strategy of ASA Most recently ASA launched men’s and women’s professional teams to offer the highest level of play for adults in the region and to create a player pathway for the younger players. As futsal continues to grow in the United States, ASA hopes to continue driving the conversation around leagues, competitions, and more! ASA trusts in providing quality opportunities for soccer and futsal programming to every child who is interested in playing. They serve a diverse community and are proud to offer scholarship support and free programming to allow and keep youth active and healthy. While winning is fun and important, there are many lessons and long term benefits of playing sports than just taking home trophies. ASA believes in the power of futsal and soccer to teach important lessons and life skills that are applicable to all areas of life. Their focus is on improving the health of kids in the Alexandria community and impacting their lives positively beyond the sports of futsal and soccer. ASA' Futsal ID teams kick off their seasons by competing in a Futsal Cup, hosted [locally] by ASA. It has grown to be one of the largest competitions in the region over the past few years, with teams traveling from as far as Pennsylvania to compete. What is your hope for the futsal industry in the future? How can futsal reach the next level in the US? Is ASA doing anything to further the sport? ASA hopes that futsal in the United States continues to grow in popularity, infrastructure, and support to help create pathways for youth to college and professional teams. They also wish to encourage futsal-specific coaching and parent education as another important role in keeping futsal in the United States expanding and developing. Is the Senda commitment of pledging 1% of our sales to soccer nonprofits important to you? Why? As a nonprofit organization, ASA understands the impact that helping their community and partnerships can have. It’s important to us that we align our support of and product usage with businesses like Senda who believe in the impact of sports and providing access to all children. Why did you choose Senda futsal balls? Over the past 9 years, ASA has overseen a wide array of top-tier futsal programming. We had yet to land on a reliable, long-lasting futsal ball to meet the needs of all of our futsal efforts until this past summer. ASA collaborated with Senda within our summer futsal Ball Mastery program to sample the Rio Training futsal ball, the Vitoria Match futsal ball and the Street Freestyle ball. Fast-forward 6 months...our ASA coaching staff and players are thrilled with the product in its quality, durability, and flair on the court. It’s also a nice touch that the Senda balls are fair trade certified to carry out a larger mission. Learn more about Alexandria Soccer Association at http://www.alexandria-soccer.org and on their social media at @alexandriasoc