Participation - The latest figures show that in 2014 there were 20,132 adults and 42,196 youth players (under 16yrs) taking part in FA-affiliated Futsal activities
try beating the opponent using dribbling or through passing to a team-mate. Another core attribute futsal teaches young players is the importance of ball retention due to the threat of an immediate counter-attack. Confidence on the ball, receiving a pass
under pressure, decision-making in one on one situations and ball retention are all fundamental skills that coaches look to develop in young football players – all which are practiced regularly in a game environment of futsal. Due to the limited space on a futsal
court, the game intrinsically encourages movement and rotation from players, as well as a sense of innovation and creativity, to unlock defences and to create some space for themselves and their team- mates. In many ways it replicates the skills required from successful attacking midfielders and forwards in the 11-a-side game when trying to break through opposition in and around the 18-yard box.
THE RISE AND RISE OF FUTSAL Since 2003 the FA has been supporting the introduction of futsal in England and during that time the game has grown rapidly. From humble beginnings, with limited awareness and even more limited structures, The FA has established a
the season progress into the FA National Super League and on to the Grand Finals to contest for the title of National Futsal Champions. The National Champions progress into the UEFA Futsal Cup to represent England. Meanwhile, the FA Futsal Cup has been running since 2003 and is the oldest national futsal competition in England. The ‘FA Cup of Futsal’ offers clubs the opportunity to progress through the tournament to play the top clubs in the country. In 2014 more than 500 male and female teams entered the competition. At the very top of the elite set-up sits
Many of the world’s leading players, such as Lionel Messi, grew up playing futsal
framework for promoting and developing the sport. A number of initiatives have been launched and expanded to drive the growth of futsal in England. The FA National Futsal Leagues were established in 2008 and are divided into three regional leagues (North, Midlands and South). Each comprises two divisions which are played throughout the season. The top teams in Division 1 at the end of
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the England Senior Men’s Team. The team enters the FIFA Futsal World Cup and UEFA European Futsal Championships, as well as playing a number of international friendly matches each season. Beneath the England team is the England Development Squad and eight Regional Centres of Futsal Excellence for 16 to 19-year-olds, which support the identification and development of talented futsal players.
GRASSROOTS There are also a number of grassroots structures to support organised games. The FA Futsal Fives are local recreational futsal leagues which The FA has established to help provide local
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