
Futsal comes from Spanish fútbol sala. The term is commonly translated as "Indoor Football"
Futsal originated in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of Association Football (soccer) for youth competition in YMCA's on basketball-sized courts
Futsal is played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlimited substitutions are permitted. The game is played on a hard court surface marked by lines. Futsal is also played with a smaller, harder, low-bounce ball. The surface, ball and laws together favour ball control and passing in small spaces. The game's "emphasis is on improvisation, creativity and technique"
Games are fast-paced, with players receiving more touches and are constantly placed in demanding decision making, limited space situations. Because the sport is a great skill developer, requiring quick reflexes, fast thinking, and pinpoint passing, it is an exciting game for children as well as adults.
- Fast-paced;
- Under pressure play encourages quick and creative decision making
- Teaches tactical awareness (i.e. recognizing space, support and pressure), and promotes lots of off-the-ball movement;
- Soccer alternative, played in the off-season
- Abundance of ball touches (i.e. more opportunities to develop foot skills and improve first touch);
- Lots of fun, and high scoring!
Futsal is officially approved by FIFA and Football Australia (FA) who form the official governing bodies for the sport.