History of the Game

The name "Futsal" comes from the merging of the Spanish/Portuguese words for football (Futbol or Futebol) and the French or Spanish word for "Indoor" (Salon or Sala). Following changes at international level between FIFA (Federation Internationale Football Association) and FIFUSA (Federation of Internationale De Futbol Sala) the sport became united with the outdoor version of the game, in 1989. Subsequently, Futsal is the only "official form of indoor soccer" as approved by FIFA.

It was the Canadians who actually recorded the first game of indoor soccer in 1854, but a version closer to the modern game was developed by Juan Carlos Ceriani for YMCA’s in Uruguay in 1930. Ceriani, fed up with rain causing the cancellation and abandonment of his practices and fixtures, moved his outdoor training sessions indoors. He then developed, defined and laid out a set of "indoor" rules and before too long the game's popularity spread across South America and across to Europe. A hybrid of the game was being played in Brazilian streets around this time and no doubt the Brazilians would argue that this was the true origin of the game which Ceriani formalized. While the first leagues of the sport appeared in Brazil, it was Paraguay who won the inaugural international futsal series when they took out the South American Championship in 1965.

 

Who plays futsal?

Futsal is for everyone!  Over the past 3 to 4 years record numbers of Professional and Amateur  players and teams in England are now playing both futsal soccer & 11 A Side Soccer.  

 

Why Futsal Soccer?

YOUTH PLAYER Skill Development - the best way to improve your overall technique.

• More touches on the ball.
• Improve your speed of play in the fast pace of futsal.
• Improve your first touch (the most important touch) under pressure of limited time & space.
• Improve the accuracy, weight & timing of your passing technique. 
• Improve your vision & decision making with limited time & space.
• Improve your speed, agility & quickness.

Cutting Edge

Futsal Soccer is growing fast all over the country with the number of new participants growing every season. With record crowds at competitive games and the Adidas sponsorship of Major League Soccer, interest will only increase.