Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced small sided football game that is widely played across the world and is officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA. 

The nature of the game places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high pressure, and is subsequently an excellent breeding ground for football competencies that can be translated into the 11-a-side format of the game. 

Many of the top world class footballers played Futsal in their youth and credit it with supporting their footballing development; players of the calibre of Pele, Zico, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Lionel Messi to name but a few of the South American legends all played and enjoyed Futsal.  But Futsal has not just helped produce South American football stars, on the European stage Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco, Xavi, Fabregas amongst many others have played Futsal to develop their skills.

“Futsal was important in helping to develop my ball control, quick thinking, passing….also for dribbling, balance, concentration…. Futsal was very, very important, no doubt.” – Pele, World Cup Winner: 1958, 1962 & 1970

Futsal is a five-a-side game, normally played on a flat indoor pitch with hockey sized goals and a size 4 ball with a reduced bounce.  It is played to touchlines and all players are free to enter the penalty area and play the ball over head-height.  Games are 20 minutes per half, played to a stopping clock (similar to basketball) with time-outs permitted.

There are a number of differences to our traditional version of small sided football, but the dominant elements are the absence of rebound boards and amendments in the laws that encourage and foster skilful, creative play above the physical contact that tends to be a feature of English five-a-side.

The FA has developed the following to drive the growth of Futsal in England:-

- England Senior Men’s Team that enters the FIFA Futsal World Cup and UEFA European Futsal Championships as well as playing a number of international friendly matches each season. The England team draws their players from the leading Futsal clubs that play in The FA National Futsal Leagues.

- The FA National Futsal Leagues were established in 2008 and are comprised of three regional divisions (North, Midlands and South) with eight teams in each division that play throughout the season. The top two teams from each league progress to the Grand Finals to contest for the title of National Futsal Champions. The National Champions progress into the UEFA European Futsal Cup to represent England.

- The FA Futsal Cup was established in 2004, offering competitive Futsal opportunities for both men’s and women’s Futsal teams through local qualifying leagues, to regional finals and onto the three-day National Finals.  

- The FA National Youth Futsal Festival has been running since 2007 to encourage young people to participate in Futsal. Boys and girls teams from across the country between the ages of 10-16 years old progress through regional festivals to reach the National Youth Futsal Festival. This event is hugely popular and is helping to promote the game within schools and youth clubs.

To find out more about Futsal download these resources:-

What is Futsal?

Futsal Facilities Guide

Guide to Organising a Futsal Competition

Futsal Laws of the Game

Futsal Referee details

Futsal Referee courses