The FA are now taking applications from new clubs to be involved in The FA National Futsal League for the 2013-14 season.

The National Futsal League was first established in 2007-08 to provide an elite Futsal competition for the best teams in the country to regularly play against each other.  The aims and intentions of creating these Futsal leagues were to:

• Increase & improve the quality of Futsal players and clubs in England
• Increase the awareness of Futsal across the country
• Provide an incentive through high level competitive games to retain players in Futsal
• To provide a pool of talented players to support the England national team

The FA National Futsal League comprises of a two tier structure: with a first division and a second division.

If your club are keen to be involved in next season's League, you can find more details through the links below:-

Click here for a New Club Application Pack for The FA National Futsal League.

Click here for FA Futsal Leagues Venue Specifications.

What is Futsal?

Futsal is the format of Small Sided Football that is recognised and supported by FIFA and UEFA with World and European Championships for clubs and National Teams

It is a five a side game, normally played on a slightly larger 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. As a small sided game, players are constantly placed in situations where they must receive or play whilst under pressure or in confined spaces. Futsal places considerable demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness.

The differences to our traditional versions of Small Sided Football are the absence of rebound boards and some slight amendments in the laws that favour skilful, creative play above the physical contact that tends to be a feature of English five a side. It’s just not possible to squash an opponent against the boards in Futsal!

Why is the FA Interested in Futsal?

The FA views Futsal as a high quality format of a small sided game.

• Many countries that we admire for the technical skills of their players use Futsal as an aspect of youth development. Ball retention, quick and skilful play, tactical awareness – all are promoted in Futsal
• Fairplay – The Laws of the game and an accumulated fouls rule discourages teams from being overly physical or disputing the decisions of the two referees.
• Exit routes – Futsal can offer some very exciting opportunities to its participants that are not available in traditional five a side. There is the UEFA Futsal Cup and International representation in European and World Competitions available to talented teams and players. 

How is the FA supporting the development of the game in England?

The FA has been developing an integrated Futsal programme over recent years and has initiated:
• An England Futsal Team that competes in the UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cup
• The FA National Futsal League
• The FA U18s National Futsal Championships
• The FA National Youth Futsal Festival
• Futsal is being played widely in schools, colleges and universities across the country
• FA Futsal Coaching & Refereeing Courses