WHAT IS FUTSAL?
Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced form of the game that originates in South America. Played on hard pitches with small-sided teams, Futsal places emphasis on technical skill in restricted spaces.
ORIGINS OF FUTSAL
Futsal is a popular indoor sport that is played by millions of people all over the world. It is a fast-paced, action-packed game that requires quick thinking, excellent ball control, and lightning-fast reflexes. Futsal has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s, when it was first played in Uruguay.
The origins of futsal can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in the 1930s. Back then, football was the most popular sport in the country, and it was played everywhere, from the streets to the beaches. However, the lack of space and the rough conditions of the streets made it difficult to play football in its traditional form. This led to the development of a new version of football that could be played indoors and with fewer players.
The new game was called "fútbol sala," which means "indoor football" in Spanish. It was played with a smaller, heavier ball, and on a smaller court than traditional football. The game quickly gained popularity in Uruguay and other South American countries, and it soon spread to Europe and Asia.
Today, futsal is played all over the world, and it has become a popular sport among players of all ages and skill levels. The game is now played in professional leagues, as well as in schools and community centres. Futsal has also become a popular training tool for football players, as it helps to improve their ball control, speed, and agility.
BASIC RULES OF FUTSAL
- 5v5 , one of which will be a Goalkeeper.
- Subs on the fly, like hockey
- No offsides
- No slide tackles, only for a block
- No Throw-ins from the side-lines. Instead, ball is placed on the ground and passed into a teammate with the foot
- Set Pieces/Kick Ins must be played within 4 seconds after the ball is placed still on the ground
- Free kicks, corners and kick-ins must have the opposing team to be a minimum of 5 yards away from the ball
- You cannot pass directly back to the goalkeeper after they have passed the ball to you
BENEFITS OF FUTSAL
- Improves players decision making skills & provides players with more touches on the ball.
- It develops the confidence in players to go 1v1 against their opponent.
- It allows players to be creative in getting around their opposition.
- It increases fitness levels and being more agile.
- Futsal is great fun
- Keep safe from bad weather conditions
Research indicates that individual’s playing Futsal receive the ball six times more often than they would do when they are playing 11-a-side football, allowing players to perform more individual techniques such as passes, controls, fakes, feints, dribbles and runs with the ball (Liverpool John Moores University, 2001)
Our Objectives
At Portsmouth & Southsea Futsal Club, our objectives are to promote the growth of futsal, foster community engagement, and develop players' skills at all levels. We aim to create an inclusive, supportive environment where athletes can excel, build lasting friendships, and cultivate a lifelong passion for the sport.
We are committed to the growth of futsal by increasing participation, providing high-quality coaching, and raising awareness of the sport’s benefits, making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Our community engagement focuses on connecting with local residents, schools, colleges, universities and organizations to promote futsal, inspire participation, and build a strong, supportive network that benefits both the sport and the community.
Our focus at Portsmouth & Southsea Futsal Club is on developing players' skills through structured training, personalized coaching, and competitive play, ensuring each athlete reaches their full potential on and off the court.
“ A lot of the moves I make originate from futsal. It's played in a very small space, and the ball control is different in futsal.”
Ronaldinho
“ During my childhood in Portugal, all we played was futsal. The small playing area helped me improve my close control, and whenever I played futsal I felt free. If it wasn't for futsal, I wouldn't be the player I am today. ”
Cristiano Ronaldo
“ As a little boy in Argentina, I played futsal on the streets and for my club. It was tremendous fun, and it really helped me become who I am today. ”
Lionel Messi