Courtesy: Umbro Blog


Futsal comes to town

Do you remember that goal we were raving about a few weeks ago? Well, Falcão isn’t the only one who likes a good game of Futsal. At the end of the month, clubs from around the world are going to come together for the Umbro International Futsal Cup, in Manchester. It was established by Manchester Futsal in 2008 and this year’s competition will be taking place from Friday 28th - Sunday 30th August at the Manchester Metropolitan University Sugden Sports Centre.

Futsal, over recent times, has become a big buzz word in the world of football - with more and more people adopting the discipline. However, I know there are still those scratching their heads when it comes to the finer details, knowing if challenged in a pub quiz they would come unstuck. Here’s my quick rundown of Futsal (and how to keep yourself in the running for that cash prize down at your local).

Despite what you may think, Futsal started in Uruguay in the 1930s - not in that other South American country that appears to be readily associated with the sport (that nation is current World Champion, if you are interested). Although in saying that, it was whilst being played on the streets of Sao Paulo that the rule book was created. Over time the game spread across the continent and by the early 70s a governing body had been formed - FIFUSA.

It would probably help if I explained what Futsal actually is. It is a variant of association football that is played indoors. It’s name comes from the Portuguese futebol de salão and the Spanish fútbol sala/de salón, which can be translated as ‘indoor football’. Then, in 1985, these names were merged - officially and internationally - into Futsal.

Most importantly, this is how it differs from the standard game of football: it is played between teams each consisting of five players, and up to seven substitutes per team. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the game is played on a hard court surface and walls or boards are not used. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball which has less bounce than a regulation football. Overall, the rules generate an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces.

I think that should get you through any Futsal related questions you may face but just to make sure all bases are covered - remember to check out the tournament at the end of the month. It would be a shame to miss out on the top prize because you didn’t swot up enough.







Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com