Futsal

HISTORY OF FUTSAL

The origin of Futsal can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of soccer for youth competion in YMCAs. The game is played on basketball-sized courts, both indoors and out without the use of sidewalls.

The term FUTSAL is the international term used for the game. It is derived from the Spanish or Portuguese word for "soccer"-- FUTbol or FUTebol, and the French or Spanish word for "indoor" -- SALon or SALa. The term was adopted by U.S. Futsal since it includes the initials "fUtSAl" (USA).

The game is frequently referred to as Five-A-Side or Mini-soccer. Futsal gained rapid popularity throughout South America, particularly in Brazil. The skill developed in this game is visible in the world-famous style the Brazilians display outdoors on the full-sized field. While Brazil continues to be the Futsal hub of the world, the game is now played, under the auspices of FIFA, all over the world, from Europe to North and Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Asia and Oceania.

Fun Facts

• All of the world’s greatest players grew up playing futsal and recognize the game as a major reason for their foot skills and ability to think quickly under pressure. Pele, Maradona, Messi, Kaka, Xavi, Ronaldo, Robinho, Ronaldinho, and Fabregas are just some of the players that grew up playing futsal.

• All of the top clubs in the world (Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, etc.) have their youth players playing futsal! In fact, most junior players in Brazil don’t play outdoor soccer until around age 13. Instead, they play futsal!

• In a recent study it was observed that futsal players touch the ball 210% more during games than players playing traditional US indoor arena soccer.

• With limited space, boundary restrictions, and constant opponent pressure, futsal demands superior ball control, fast footwork, and precise passing.

• With no wall to help them out, players must move and support each other just like in outdoor soccer. This develops more tactically aware players, whose skills can be transferred to the outdoor game. With the absence of walls players must also perform skills properly and accurately, while poor technique and inaccurate passes are punished.