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 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.
“Futsal was important in helping to develop my ball control, quick thinking, passing and also for dribbling, balance, concentration... Futsal was very, very important, no doubt.”
Pele, World Cup Winner: 1958, 1962 & 1970
Please visit the links on the right to find out about all things FUTSAL!
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For even more information, please contact:
Paul Carpenter – Football Development Officer
paul.carpenter@herefordshirefa.com | 01432 342179
Alexis Lunn-Gadd - Girls & Womens Football Development Officer alexis.lunn@herefordshirefa.com | 01432 342179