Futsal

Futsal is the global format for indoor small-sided football and the worlds fastest growing indoor sport.

See Also:: Football

An Overview of Futsal

A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided that no infringement of the Futsal Laws of the Game has been committed previously by the team scoring the goal. The team scoring the greater number of goals during a match is the winner. If both teams score an equal number of goals, or if no goals are scored, the match is drawn. There is no offside in futsal.

Futsal is a five-a-side game, normally played on a flat indoor pitch with hockey sized goals and a size 4 ball with a reduced bounce. It is played to touchlines and all players are free to enter the penalty area and play the ball over head-height. Games are 20 minutes per half, played to a stopping clock (similar to basketball) with time-outs permitted.

Benefits

Football provides a great variety of physical exercise as in a game a player will have to run, kick, dodge, sprint and jump. It helps increase endurance, promote agility, develop physical coordination and build muscle strength.

Players remain in constant motion, with about five miles typically run in a 90-minute, 11-a-side game. This effort burns approximately 630 calories.

Costs

Hiring a futsal specific pitch can cost £40 but this price can be split between the team.

Involvement

If your Futsal club is interested in playing in The FA National Futsal Leagues, The FA welcomes applications around April time each season. New clubs are required to complete an Application Form and return to The FA by the stated deadline.

Adaptations and Equipment

The basic compulsory equipment of a player comprises the following separate items:
• a jersey or shirt – if undergarments are worn, the colour of the sleeve must be the same main colour as the sleeve of the jersey
• shorts – if undershorts are worn, they must be of the same main colour as the shorts.
• stockings – if tape or similar material is applied externally it must be the same colour as that part of the stocking it is applied to
• shinguards
• footwear – canvas or soft leather training or gymnastic shoes with soles of rubber or a similar materia