About Futsal in MA

Massachusetts Youth Soccer has three futsal affiliated leagues, Coastal Youth Futsal League (CYFL), Essex County Youth Futsal League (ECYFL) and New England Futsal Academy League (NEFAL). NEFAL recently became affiliated and we are excited to see what new futsal opportunities they will provide to membership.

CYFL, operating in Pembroke, hosted the Coastal Cup in December with 20 teams in 4 brackets ranging from U10 through High School. League games started in January with 60 teams across 10 brackets from U10 through High School with very positive feedback from new participants. CYFL future planning includes enhanced marketing to educate youth soccer coaches and organizers about the benefits of futsal, and continued emphasis on growing the referee population.

ECYFL, playing in South Hamilton, had over 50 teams for the November- December season and 62 for the January-March season, both new high marks due in large part to the support of Beverly Youth Soccer Association (see below). The 13-week K-8 Academy clinic program had a 63% increase in registrants, up to a total of 85, with Grade 3/4 more than doubling and requiring an additional session be added. ECYFL is in active discussions with potential youth soccer partners to add new locations over a wider area next year.

Local initiatives we have been made aware of:

Beverly Youth Soccer Association (BYSA) introduced 2 new futsal initiatives this year. The first is an 11-week intown futsal skills program for players in 5th though 8th grade incorporating skills training and gameplay. BYSA also offered futsal as a “3rd season” mirroring its Fall and Spring travel programs. Teams were entered for league play in ECYFL. Over 180 BYSA players are taking part, up from 80 in past years.

Beyond Soccer Lawrence has over 180 players from age 4 to 18 playing pick up futsal on Saturdays and Sundays at the Lawrence YMCA and is working with the Arlington School to bring futsal into the school’s offerings.

Lynnfield Youth Soccer Club has partnered with Lynnfield Recreation to offer futsal training and play for players in Kindergarten through High School at the Huckleberry Hill School each weekend through mid-March.

Danvers Youth Soccer (DYS) is offering a 6-week intown practice/play program for Grade 1&2 players each Monday evening at the Great Oak School. The program offers an introduction to futsal for coaches, players and parents as well participants in the DYS Genesis Referee Program.

For more information on Mass Youth Soccer's Futsal programs and opportunities, go to: https://www.mayouthsoccer.org/programs/futsal/