FUTSAL is the new buzz word in soccer

Published on: 19th January, 2008

FUTSAL is the new buzz word in soccer – and a game that is taking Ireland by storm. But where did it come from, and why has it become so popular?

The origin of Futsal can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of soccer for youth competition that could be played in the local YMCA halls and gyms. The game is played on basketball-sized courts without the use of sidewalls.
Once Ceriani got the ball rolling, Futsal gained rapid popularity throughout South America, particularly in Brazil. The skill developed in this game is visible in the world-famous style the Brazilians display outdoors on the full-sized field. Pele, Zico, Socrates, Bebeto and other Brazilian superstars developed their skill playing Futsal. While Brazil continues to be the Futsal hub of the world, the game is now played, under the auspices of FIFA, all over the world, from Europe to North and Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Asia and Oceania.

The first international competition took place in 1965, when Paraguay won the first South American Cup. Six more South American Cups were held through to 1979, with Brazil winning all of them. Brazil continued its dominance with a victory in the first Pan American Cup in 1980 and won it again the next time it was played in 1984. A U.S. team took part in the 1984 cup, but finished out of the running.
The first Futsal World Championship was held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1982, with Brazil finishing in first place. The Brazilians repeated as champions at the second World Championship in 1985 in Spain, but lost in the third World Championship in 1988 in Australia to Paraguay. FIFA took over direct sponsorship of the event in 1989 in Holland and 1992 in Hong Kong. Brazil won both times. Spain are the current world Futsal champions.

If skills development is important then Futsal is recognised as clearly the best form of indoor soccer.

The emphasis is on improvisation, creativity and technique. You are unlikely to hear calls of ‘get stuck in’ or ‘get rid of it, at a futsal match!

The players find it challenging because space is at a premium on a futsal court, the ball has to be manipulated far more closely to the body. Players have to do clever things with the ball and their foot skills improve. There is no hiding place on the court, so decision making is especially important.

The slightly heavier ball means that most of the play is on the ground thus forcing the players to use all the skills they have. Dribbling and passing can improve very quickly.

The compressed size of the pitch also means that everyone gets more touches on the ball and unlimited substitutions means that everyone should get a fair shake during the game.

Because of the non stop high pace of the game where players must constantly attack and defend, rolling substitutions are a must. Teams often change the outfield players one, two and even up to four at a time to maintain the relentless pace of the game and allow players a rest period before rejoining the game again. When defending, teams will quite often get all players behind the ball and retreat into their own half. This tactic usually results in a team being harder to break down and the use of less energy than if they were to play a ‘pressing’ game in the opponent’s half.

In December last St Kevins Boys began their own, in-house Futsal competition for all players in the 7-8 and 9-10 age group categories. All the teams were ’seeded’, an excellent idea that meant, for the most part provided all players turned up, the games were reasonably even and competitive.

The Futsal rules were introduced slowly over the four weeks of the competition and all of the players picked them up very quickly. By the half-way stage of the tournament as the Christmas holiday approached, all of the players involved were enjoying the experience and looking forward to the play-off stages.

In January the DDSL also introduced their futsal programme in the 7-8 years category. So our players had some grounding in the rules of the game when they entered DDSL games.

The League sees Futsal as the way forward and have introduced some very interesting factors into the game. They have asked all Futsal centre managers to make sure that all parents are kept well away from the playing area and that coaching staff are not allowed to shout at players.

This is a pilot scheme for the DDSL and the emphasis is very much on player development and enjoyment.

There was a competitive edge to the club’s Futsal programme as it entered the final Saturday of play with the final round robin games, semi-finals and finals down for decision. In a very exciting morning of football, Barcelona triumphed in the 7-8 section while Chile were the winners in the 9-10 age group.

The teams line up for their “Anthems” before the Final of the 7s/8s

The morning was also lifted by the antics of our small sided game coach Wayne Groves who brought an extra dimension to the finals by organising a pre-final team ‘presentation’, ‘anthems’ and prize giving. Many thanks to all those who gave up their time on Saturday mornings to organise, manage or referee during the club’s Futsal tournament.

The rewards for the players won’t come overnight – but continued use of this exciting game within the club will gradually improve the skill levels of all players at all ages.

Matt Nugent

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