What is futsal?

Futsal is a form of soccer played on a hardcourt surface, often indoors, with a low-bounce ball. A regulation futsal game has 5 players per team, including the goalkeeper. Although based on soccer, futsal is a distinct sport and provides benefits that come from cross-training for young athletes, including working different muscle groups. Players are challenged to play in multiple positions and make quick decisions under pressure. There are no walls around the court in futsal, unlike regular indoor soccer. This teaches players to keep close control of the ball at all times.

The word “futsal” is a contraction of the Spanish “fútbol sala” that has a literal meaning of “room football”.

How does futsal complement regular soccer?

Futsal has been part of the development of young soccer players in Europe and South America for over 50 years. Players are encouraged to play futsal in addition to regular soccer because futsal improves skill with the ball by giving players a high number of touches in a small amount of time and space. Players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Neymar have spoken about how important futsal was in their growth as young players.

Where did the sport come from and where is it played?

Futsal was invented in 1930 by a Uruguayan teacher, Juan Carlos Ceriani, who wanted a version of indoor soccer for YMCAs. The sport then grew in popularity across South America and Europe and today is played worldwide. The highest attended match in history was between Brazil and Argentina in 2014, with a crowd of 56,483. Futsal is growing rapidly across the United States and is recognized as one of the fastest growing sports in the world.