Develop Futsal in the UK

First off, my son has been playing Futsal for the last 10 years, starting from when he was 9. He now plays in the NFS with Reading Royals (founded by Fernando Silva).

For those that don't know...

Futsal is an association football-based game played on a hard court smaller than a football pitch, and mainly indoors. It has similarities to five-a-side football and indoor soccer.

Futsal is played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlimited substitutions are permitted.

Unlike some other forms of indoor soccer, it is played on a hard court surface marked by lines; walls or boards are not used. It is played with a smaller, harder, lower-bounce ball than a football.

The surface, ball, and rules favour ball control and passing in small spaces, and movement. The game emphasises control, improvisation, creativity, and technique.

Futsal is a growing sport in England, but it has a long way to go.

England has a national team, formed in 2003, and run by The Football Association.

The National Futsal Series began in 2019 and consists of 1 National Men's Tier, 2 Regional Men's Tiers, and 2 Women's Regional Tiers and is considered the top level of Futsal in England.

The National Futsal League began in February 2008 and was the first official national league in England.

Futsal has become increasingly popular in England among both adults and young children still at school, and among university students.

The FA has previously slimmed down funding for the sport, and now that we are post covid, it would be great to introduce Futsal to more people, as well as find ways to fund the many Clubs that want to grow.

If you're interested in learning more, reach out to a local club. Join us if you'd like to find ways to enhance the game here in the UK.