TRY FUTSAL,
SOCCER’S SKILL-BUILDING INDOOR OFFSHOOT WRITTEN BY CATE WRIGHT | PHOTOS MONTANA SURF SOCCER CLUB
When the days get shorter and the snow gets deeper, soccer players move inside to sharpen their skills. School gyms and indoor soccer centers open their doors to the fast-paced, soccer-related game of futsal, a five-a-side game played with a smaller, harder ball that bounces less than a traditional soccer ball. Futsal is played on a court almost two and a half times smaller than a fullsized soccer field. The compact playing surface and quick speed of play teach athletes faster decision making and more precise technical skills while giving every player many more touches on the ball. “We see tremendous improvement in athletes who participate in the futsal program, and those skills translate directly to the soccer field once spring arrives,” said Joel Harris, Montana Surf Soccer Club’s Technical Director.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF FUTSAL
Futsal was invented almost 100 years ago by Juan Carlos Ceriani, a teacher in Montevideo, Uruguay, whose aim was to create a version of soccer that could be played indoors. He blended rules from soccer, water polo, basketball and team handball to create the regulations for futsal. The name “Futsal” comes from the Portuguese futebol de salão and from the [Spanish] fútbol sala or fútbol de salón (all translatable as “indoor football”).
WHY PLAY FUTSAL?
It Keeps Kids Active During the Winter Months: Physical activity drops significantly during the winter for most children, according to a study by The University of Cambridge. Futsal keeps kids physically active during the dark, cold winter months by offering them a fun, indoor environment to run and play.
It Hones Technical Skills: The small size of the futsal court coupled with the fast pace of the game help youth athletes hone their technical skills. Players must pass quickly, control the ball with precision and move constantly to find open space for passing and dribbling. “Futsal places a large emphasis on technical skill in highpressure situations, which can be translated into the outdoor game. The sport is a great skill developer as it demands quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin-point passing,” according to The United States Youth Futsal Association. It Teaches Quick Decision Making: Futsal is a very fast-
paced game and players must learn to make smart decisions quickly. “Everything happens in a split-second on a tiny bit of the court. It’s no coincidence that people who have played futsal tend to be quick and skillful.” - Andrey Arshavin, former professional soccer player.
It’s Fun! More than anything, futsal is fun! It’s a great way to build fitness and friendships in an enjoyable atmosphere. Futsal is a high scoring game with lots of touches on the ball for all teammates, which keeps kids engaged, excited and having a wonderful time.
WHERE CAN YOU PLAY?
Futsal programs are available locally through Montana Surf Soccer Club at the Montana Surf Indoor Soccer Center in Belgrade. Montana Surf also offers technical training and pick-up soccer sessions throughout the winter. Register at www.montanasurf.org. For those interested in competitive or recreational soccer, registration is now open for the spring season for birth years 2005-2020. “During my childhood in Portugal, all we played was futsal. The small playing area helped me improve my close control, and whenever I played futsal I felt free. If it wasn’t for futsal, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.” - Cristiano Ronaldo Cate Wright is a mother of two, volunteer, and member of the Montana Surf/Blitzz FC Board of Directors. Her work with the Montana Surf Annual Fund is focused on ensuring that all children have access to the mental and physical benefits of sports, regardless of income.
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