The FA is looking for organisers prepared to run Futsal leagues from January to June next year.

#The winning teams from these competitions will have the opportunity to progress to The FA National Futsal Finals which will be held at the prestigious English Institute of Sport in Sheffield next July.

But progress for the top team doesn't stop there as the English champions will have the chance to represent England in the 2007 UEFA Futsal Cup.

Here, we answer a few questions;

Why Futsal ?

Futsal is a format of Small Sided Football that is played extensively throughout the world and as a consequence is recognised and supported by UEFA and FIFA.

What does running a League involve?

Running a Futsal League will require you to:

  1. Identify a suitable facility
  2. Devise a promotional strategy that will recruit the required number of teams. As Futsal is new to this country it can be hard work persuading players to try something different. You’ll need to target your potential teams and then spend time promoting and introducing the game to them. The FA will make available posters, postcards, leaflets, balls and videos to assist in promoting the game.
  3. All leagues will need to be affiliated to the County Football Association. In return the County FA can organise training seminars for the Referees involved in the league.
  4. Use of Futsal Equipment. The FA will support Leagues in the provision of start up equipment.
  5. Devise a basic business plan that balances the cost of pitch hire, Referees, affiliation, equipment and promotion against the fees of participating teams.
  6. Organise Fixtures and inform Teams and Referees of this schedule. Ensure all teams are in a position to complete their fixture each week
  7. Collect and collate team sheets for the participating teams to ensure that the teams progressing to The FA Futsal Finals are made up of those players that took part in the qualifying competition.
  8. Produce and update League tables
  9. Ensure the League programme is completed by 30 June 2005

Who will the leagues provide for?

The Leagues will run a male adult competition in order to qualify teams for The FA Futsal Cup. However The FA is keen to extend opportunities for children – both boys and girls over the age of 11, female adult and competitions involving disabled competitors.

FA Development funding may be available to support the start up costs for work involving these groups and opportunities to play in friendly matches at The FA National Futsal Finals.

What does the FA require to be in place in order to run a League?

The FA’s essential criteria for operating a league are as follows:

  • The pitch must be rectangular, have fixed Futsal markings and it’s dimensions must fit into the following criteria:
    • Width: minimum 15m, maximum 25m
    • Length: minimum 25m, maximum 42m
  • The goal posts must measure 3m wide x 2m tall. Futsal, Hockey or Handball goalposts can be used
  • A Futsal ball should be used for all fixtures
  • The pitch should provide a firm and consistent playing surface. An indoor wooden or plastic surface would be ideal. Synthetic surfaces are also permissible. Grass is not an appropriate surface on which to play Futsal.
  • A minimum of 2 referees must be used for each game
  • There must be a minimum of 8 competing teams. Depending on the length of the league each team can play each other once or twice.
  • Games should last two equal periods of between 15 and 20 minutes in length with 1 time out per team per half. Note that matches do not have to be played real time.
  • The league must be affiliated to the County FA
  • All league fixtures must comply with the competition rules for the National Championships and be completed by Friday 30 June

Qualification to The FA Futsal Finals

Once the number of Leagues is agreed The FA will identify the qualification process for The FA Futsal Finals. Leagues that are well established and have a large number of competitive teams may be offered direct qualification to the finals for one or more teams.

Other Leagues may be required to be involved in play off games to secure a place in the Final. League organisers will be informed of the qualification process prior to the commencement of League programmes.

UEFA Futsal Cup

London White Bear were England’s representatives in 2005 but lost out by the narrowest of margins in a four team UEFA Qualifying Tournament. Winners of the 2006 FA Futsal Cup will take part in the UEFA Futsal Cup in September 2007.

What support will The FA offer to Futsal Leagues?

To assist new Futsal league operators The FA is prepared to offer equipment, promotional support, seminars for referees. Financial support is available to assist with initial promotion and match official fees.

Application Form

All League organisers should complete the attached application form and return it to The Football Association by Monday 28 November 2005.

Click here to download the form

Meeting of Potential League Organisers

All League organisers expressing an interest in staging a FA Futsal League will be invited to attend a meeting at The FA's HQ in Soho Square on Tuesday 13 December - 11.00am to 3.00pm.

Further Information?

Queries should be emailed to Dermot.Collins@TheFA.com