Ever wondered how some of the world’s most skilful players developed their ability to beat opponents at will? How did players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Roberto Carlos develop the skills that have taken their game to the highest level? Futsal has provided these players with the platform to become some of the world’s most technically gifted and exciting players. No other game explores the skill, energy and fitness required to beat players and show the flair, drive and ball manipulation that can leave the opponent standing.
Futsal is the format of Small Sided Football that is recognised and supported by FIFA and UEFA. A host of professional leagues throughout the world have enabled the creation of World and European Championships for club and National Teams. No other sport is experiencing such growth and demand as Futsal, and with further campaigns taking place to introduce Futsal onto the Olympic stage, the sport will soon have global prominence and recognition.
Futsal is a five-a-side game, normally played on a slightly larger pitch with hockey-sized goals and a size four 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. As a game it places considerable demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness.
Already, Futsal has incorporated and assimilated techniques and tactics from other small-sided games. Playing Futsal allows the player to touch the ball nearly 12 times more than playing football. Players also learn how to both defend and attack from any position of the pitch. The player benefits are endless.
The FA Futsal Cup
The FA Futsal Cup was introduced in 2003 and is contested over three days at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield . This year the competition will feature 16 qualifiers drawn from 47 qualifying Leagues and over 400 participating teams.
For the first time Somerset FA will be represented at this major event in both the male and female competitions.
This year will also see the introduction of competitions for U10, 12, 14, 16’s Boys and Girls. The event will be taking place on 21st and 22nd June, at the National Institute for Sport and Sheffield where Somerset FA is pleased to announce that it will be entering teams in all age categories.