Its been emotional!
My interest in Futsal began around 5 years ago after listening to Neil Lucas from Sala Soccer talk about the sport and how it can help develop young players immensely. Straight from the start of my research I knew this game was something special.
The origin of Futsal (Five-a-Side Soccer) can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of soccer for youth competition in YMCAs. In Brazil Futsal is played by more people than football but does not attract as many spectators as the outdoor sport. Several Futsal players have moved on to careers as successful professional football players. Here are a few quotes from some of the players who turned pro.
Cristiano Ronaldo
“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."
Xavi
“In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. In normal football you don't necessarily identify talent as easily because it's so much more physical. But with futsal, you notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding."
Pele
“Futsal requires you to think and play fast. It makes everything easier when you later switch to football."
To find out more about Futsal and my Journey click read more below.
The origin of Futsal (Five-a-Side Soccer) can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of soccer for youth competition in YMCAs. In Brazil Futsal is played by more people than football but does not attract as many spectators as the outdoor sport. Several Futsal players have moved on to careers as successful professional football players. Here are a few quotes from some of the players who turned pro.
Cristiano Ronaldo
“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."
Xavi
“In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. In normal football you don't necessarily identify talent as easily because it's so much more physical. But with futsal, you notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding."
Pele
“Futsal requires you to think and play fast. It makes everything easier when you later switch to football."
To find out more about Futsal and my Journey click read more below.
The FA recommends the following pitch sizes for the varying levels of Futsal participation:
Futsal participation type Minimum length, Minimum width,
Recreational and social Futsal 25m x 15m
FA National Futsal League 31m x 16m
International Futsal 38m x 18m
Maximum sized pitch 42m x 25m
In addition The FA recommends that there should be a two metre run-off around the perimeter of the pitch.
Futsal participation type Minimum length, Minimum width,
Recreational and social Futsal 25m x 15m
FA National Futsal League 31m x 16m
International Futsal 38m x 18m
Maximum sized pitch 42m x 25m
In addition The FA recommends that there should be a two metre run-off around the perimeter of the pitch.
What is Futsal?
Futsal is a game played between two teams of five players each, one of whom is the goalkeeper. Unlimited substitutions are permitted. Substitutes can come on even when the ball is in play but the player coming off must leave the field before the substitute can enter the playing field. If a team has fewer than three players in the team, the match is abandoned and counted as a loss for the team with the lack of players. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the game is played on a hard court surface delimited by lines; walls or boards are not used. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regular football due to the surface of the field. The surface, ball and rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces.
The match is controlled by the referee, who enforces the Laws of the Game, and the first referee is the only one who can legally abandon the match because of interference from outside the field. This referee is also assisted by a second referee who typically watches over the goal lines or assists the primary referee with calls on fouls or plays. The decisions made by the referees are final and can only be changed if the referees think it is necessary and play has not restarted. There is also a third referee and a timekeeper who are provided with equipment to keep a record of fouls in the match. In the event of injury to the second referee, the third referee will replace the second referee.
Ideally Futsal should be played indoors on a wooden or synthetic surface. However, at the recreational level, where indoor facilities are not available or accessible, the game can be played outdoors on a flat hard surface. The game should not be played on grass, but as a last resort can be played on artificial grass – though this will slow the game down.
The match is controlled by the referee, who enforces the Laws of the Game, and the first referee is the only one who can legally abandon the match because of interference from outside the field. This referee is also assisted by a second referee who typically watches over the goal lines or assists the primary referee with calls on fouls or plays. The decisions made by the referees are final and can only be changed if the referees think it is necessary and play has not restarted. There is also a third referee and a timekeeper who are provided with equipment to keep a record of fouls in the match. In the event of injury to the second referee, the third referee will replace the second referee.
Ideally Futsal should be played indoors on a wooden or synthetic surface. However, at the recreational level, where indoor facilities are not available or accessible, the game can be played outdoors on a flat hard surface. The game should not be played on grass, but as a last resort can be played on artificial grass – though this will slow the game down.
Moston Futsal Development School
MFDS was created by myself to offer local players extra development by the way of Futsal. Since the start, the School has rapidly grown catering for many players from different teams in the area.
The Futsal school is run by F.A. Licensed Coaches. Who believe with Futsal, Players learn to cope in tight spaces, improve spatial awareness and decision making. Whilst developing a player's ability to both defend and attack.
In are sessions we also use street soccer skills and music to teach rhythm and timing, the players enjoy this part the most as they are free to express themselves.
Futsal what it gives...
Increased Dexterity Skill sets - dexterous skills–such as speed, agility, quickness, reaction timing, and balance
Better Ball Handling - With limited space, defined touchlines and constant opponent pressure, improved ball control technique and skills are coached.
Improved Flexibility & Range of Motion - Flexibility refers to the ability to move joints through their entire range of motion, from a flexed to an extended position.
Improved Decision Making Abilities - With four on-court players, plus a goalkeeper that can join in the play, all the basic components of the outdoor game are present. As the action is non-stop, players are able to develop an improved technical understanding of futsal very quickly.
Fun! - Futsal is a fast-paced, fun, skill-oriented game that tests your abilities at whatever level, whilst developing all-round individual technique. My philosophy is Let Them Play!
In comparison to 11-a-side football:
Players touch the ball five times more in four-a-side football and twice as much in seven-sided games.
Players are involved in three times as many one-on-one situations in five-a-side football and twice as many in seven-sided games.
MFDS was created by myself to offer local players extra development by the way of Futsal. Since the start, the School has rapidly grown catering for many players from different teams in the area.
The Futsal school is run by F.A. Licensed Coaches. Who believe with Futsal, Players learn to cope in tight spaces, improve spatial awareness and decision making. Whilst developing a player's ability to both defend and attack.
In are sessions we also use street soccer skills and music to teach rhythm and timing, the players enjoy this part the most as they are free to express themselves.
Futsal what it gives...
Increased Dexterity Skill sets - dexterous skills–such as speed, agility, quickness, reaction timing, and balance
Better Ball Handling - With limited space, defined touchlines and constant opponent pressure, improved ball control technique and skills are coached.
Improved Flexibility & Range of Motion - Flexibility refers to the ability to move joints through their entire range of motion, from a flexed to an extended position.
Improved Decision Making Abilities - With four on-court players, plus a goalkeeper that can join in the play, all the basic components of the outdoor game are present. As the action is non-stop, players are able to develop an improved technical understanding of futsal very quickly.
Fun! - Futsal is a fast-paced, fun, skill-oriented game that tests your abilities at whatever level, whilst developing all-round individual technique. My philosophy is Let Them Play!
In comparison to 11-a-side football:
Players touch the ball five times more in four-a-side football and twice as much in seven-sided games.
Players are involved in three times as many one-on-one situations in five-a-side football and twice as many in seven-sided games.
Our first Tournament.
Manchester Futsal Club Youth Tournament 2013
MFDS entered two teams into the MFC youth tournament an U11 and an U12's as Moston Jnrs and what a great first taste of Futsal it was!
The U12's played four, won one, drew one and lost two. The best game of the day was against a impressive sala soccer side coached by Neil Lucas. The team went two down straight away but fought back only to lose 4-2 after some great free flowing football from both sides which was a pleasure to watch.
The U11's made a excellent start winning there first game 4-0. from then on it was much the same story winning both other group games with ease. In the final the boys came up against sala soccer school, so they knew they would have to work hard. About four minutes passed and then finally the breakthrough came 1-0 Moston but the sala boys never gave up straight from the kick off a sala player darted forward stole the ball and with two more strides the ball was in the back of the net, 1-1. From one lapse of concentration just, just maybe the team could dismantle all the days hard work. From then on it was a great game to watch the ball was back and forth non stop. Final whistle the teams swap ends for two minutes extra time. Both teams continued to cancel each other out and there was no break through... Penalties...Some mothers hate to watch, some players hate to take them but they are there to decide a match and in my eyes not a winner. After a great save from the Moston keeper and three great strikes from the penalty takers, Moston came out Manchester Futsal Youth Tournament U11 Champions.
MFDS entered two teams into the MFC youth tournament an U11 and an U12's as Moston Jnrs and what a great first taste of Futsal it was!
The U12's played four, won one, drew one and lost two. The best game of the day was against a impressive sala soccer side coached by Neil Lucas. The team went two down straight away but fought back only to lose 4-2 after some great free flowing football from both sides which was a pleasure to watch.
The U11's made a excellent start winning there first game 4-0. from then on it was much the same story winning both other group games with ease. In the final the boys came up against sala soccer school, so they knew they would have to work hard. About four minutes passed and then finally the breakthrough came 1-0 Moston but the sala boys never gave up straight from the kick off a sala player darted forward stole the ball and with two more strides the ball was in the back of the net, 1-1. From one lapse of concentration just, just maybe the team could dismantle all the days hard work. From then on it was a great game to watch the ball was back and forth non stop. Final whistle the teams swap ends for two minutes extra time. Both teams continued to cancel each other out and there was no break through... Penalties...Some mothers hate to watch, some players hate to take them but they are there to decide a match and in my eyes not a winner. After a great save from the Moston keeper and three great strikes from the penalty takers, Moston came out Manchester Futsal Youth Tournament U11 Champions.
FC United Of Manchester Womens Futsal Team.
In October 2013 I approached FC United with an idea to form a womans Futsal team to enter the FA Futsal Cup. Below is what happened next...
The extract below is from http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/m_story.php?story_id=5548
"A number of FC United women’s team players plus team physio Su O’Brien have had the opportunity this season to try their feet in the fast paced and skillful game of futsal.
The club formed a women’s futsal team following an approach from Moston Juniors coach Paul Halton and under his management, guidance and enthusiasm the team have qualified for the National Final of the FA Futsal Cup.
FC United entered a team into the Manchester qualifying league competing against Manchester Futsal Club, Just a Ball Game, FC Samba and Stockport County. Most of our players have never played futsal prior to this competition, and without having any futsal training sessions, the women’s team managed to come a traditional second in the league with 5 wins, 1 draw and 2 loses; losing out only to Just a Ball Game twice.
The extract below is from http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/m_story.php?story_id=5548
"A number of FC United women’s team players plus team physio Su O’Brien have had the opportunity this season to try their feet in the fast paced and skillful game of futsal.
The club formed a women’s futsal team following an approach from Moston Juniors coach Paul Halton and under his management, guidance and enthusiasm the team have qualified for the National Final of the FA Futsal Cup.
FC United entered a team into the Manchester qualifying league competing against Manchester Futsal Club, Just a Ball Game, FC Samba and Stockport County. Most of our players have never played futsal prior to this competition, and without having any futsal training sessions, the women’s team managed to come a traditional second in the league with 5 wins, 1 draw and 2 loses; losing out only to Just a Ball Game twice.
Qualification for the northern semi-finals was secured following a hard fought battle and three points, winning 5-3 against FC Samba in the final deciding league game.
The semi-finals in Leeds on Sunday 1st June saw FC Women drawn in group D against Hartlepool Sixth Form, Tranmere Victoria and Manchester Futsal Club (wildcard entry).
Results: Mcr Futsal 1 FC 3, Tranmere 4 FC 2, FC 2 Mcr Futsal 0, FC 2 Tranmere 0.
FC and Tranmere Victoria now take a trip to London on 14th & 15th June to play in the National Finals at the Copperbox.
FC United League Team: Su O’Brien, Kirsty Chambers, Phoenix Chow, Aimee Cooke, Charlie Evans, Beth Hayes, Jade Parker, Chelsea Patient, Beth Tattersall, Jess Tonge, Chloe Williams, Adora Yau.
Manager Paul Halton said "It has been great working with the players and being able to have the opportunity to introduce them to the world of futsal. This campaign has exceeded all my expectations, not only qualifying for the regional finals but the national finals also. Before this competition I think only two of the girls had played futsal before so to progress as they have is a great achievement that all involved should be very proud of."
The National Finals will be held over the weekend of 14 and 15 June, and will be an atmospheric demonstration of Futsal with an assortment of the best male and female teams in the country competing for the Cup.
Any supporters who would like to support the team by donating towards the costs of accommodation and transport for the finals can do so by contacting the FC United office.
The semi-finals in Leeds on Sunday 1st June saw FC Women drawn in group D against Hartlepool Sixth Form, Tranmere Victoria and Manchester Futsal Club (wildcard entry).
Results: Mcr Futsal 1 FC 3, Tranmere 4 FC 2, FC 2 Mcr Futsal 0, FC 2 Tranmere 0.
FC and Tranmere Victoria now take a trip to London on 14th & 15th June to play in the National Finals at the Copperbox.
FC United League Team: Su O’Brien, Kirsty Chambers, Phoenix Chow, Aimee Cooke, Charlie Evans, Beth Hayes, Jade Parker, Chelsea Patient, Beth Tattersall, Jess Tonge, Chloe Williams, Adora Yau.
Manager Paul Halton said "It has been great working with the players and being able to have the opportunity to introduce them to the world of futsal. This campaign has exceeded all my expectations, not only qualifying for the regional finals but the national finals also. Before this competition I think only two of the girls had played futsal before so to progress as they have is a great achievement that all involved should be very proud of."
The National Finals will be held over the weekend of 14 and 15 June, and will be an atmospheric demonstration of Futsal with an assortment of the best male and female teams in the country competing for the Cup.
Any supporters who would like to support the team by donating towards the costs of accommodation and transport for the finals can do so by contacting the FC United office.
Over 500 teams have competed in the qualifying stages to win the right to challenge for the FA Futsal Cup and with 20 privileged finalists getting the opportunity to test their skills over two days of tough competition to be crowned as cup winners.
The Group games will be played on the Saturday 14th June and access to these will be free at the point of entry.
Sunday will be Finals day and the big showdown will require a pre-booked ticket to gain entry to the day’s games."
What a great experience for all! not beyond my wildest dreams did I think we would reach the Semi-Final of the the grand finals. Yes once again Penalties decided the game. Unfortunately this time I wasn't so lucky and we where beaten by the eventual champions the University of Gloucestershire.
Below you can find footage of Day 1 & 2 of the grand finals.
The Group games will be played on the Saturday 14th June and access to these will be free at the point of entry.
Sunday will be Finals day and the big showdown will require a pre-booked ticket to gain entry to the day’s games."
What a great experience for all! not beyond my wildest dreams did I think we would reach the Semi-Final of the the grand finals. Yes once again Penalties decided the game. Unfortunately this time I wasn't so lucky and we where beaten by the eventual champions the University of Gloucestershire.
Below you can find footage of Day 1 & 2 of the grand finals.
Author Paul Halton