Futsal, Expanding At Lightning Speed

BACK ISSUE
Nov/Dec Issue #73
By Kris Fernandes

The most exciting brand of soccer is expanding at lightning speed across the world. What are we talking about? Futsal, of course!

But ah, what exactly is futsal you ask? Well, great question and here’s the answer and why more Canadians should be playing it.

Futsal is an extremely action-packed game played indoors; think of soccer on a basketball court. It is commonly referred to as 5-a-side, obviously meaning it’s a 5v5 game including the goalie. There are no boards, only boundary lines, which help players develop proper technique and promote individual skill. There are two 20-minute halves that are always at full throttle. There are no sliding tackles and the heavier and smaller futsal ball (about size 4) has very little bounce, which forces players to exercise their ability. The goals are 2m high and 3m wide.

It is the only officially recognized version of indoor soccer by FIFA and it is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports on the planet. Not to mention that it is well documented to be the ultimate tool for developing young soccer talent.

Brazilian superstars such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Zico and Pele, among others, have all attributed their phenomenal skills to their futsal origins. Ronaldinho, in particular, is a major advocate of futsal and its significance in enhancing young players. This is what he had to say about futsal in FIFA’s 2005 Activity Report;

“You learn to make snap decisions, as everything’s much tighter and happens more quickly than in normal football. Speed, perfect technique and the ability to weigh up the situation fast are the key things futsal teaches you. It’s better for youngsters to play on small pitches because that way they get the ball more often, which is really important. You only get better by practicing and getting the ball a lot. That’s why futsal is an extremely important way for kids to develop their skills and understanding of the game.”

One thing futsal does is allow for more touches. According to that same FIFA report, in an average 40-minute futsal contest an outfield player will touch the ball roughly every 29 seconds, or 80 touches. Now compare that to a 90-minute outdoor game where it’s only around 30-40 touches. That is more than double in just half the time.

In addition to more touches, there are other numerous advantages from playing futsal. Not only does it help improve ones agility, speed and balance it also significantly allows players to learn to become more creative and dynamic in their individual skills. The fact that there are no boards on the pitch forces players to think and react quicker, something that indoor soccer with boards does not teach. Also, since the pitch is smaller than regular indoor pitches, it further enhances the ability for players to emulate that highly effective and electric Brazilian pass and run system.

Though Brazil is the dominant team in futsal, many other countries are rapidly realizing the benefits that the game has to offer and are starting to invest heavily in it. One prime example is in Japan, where one company recently announced that it would be building 420 futsal pitches over the next 5 years at a cost of around $450 million US to accommodate the sports demand. More nations are playing the game and that is evident by comparing the high number of participating teams for the last futsal World Cup Qualifying stages in 2004, 86, to a mere 23 in its first installment in 1989 (Canada finished 12th at this event). This number is expected to easily surpass 100 for the next installment in 2008.

But what about Canada? How is futsal doing here and where is it going?

Currently it’s in its infancy stages but it is looking to grow heavily over the next few years. The CSA has mandated to its provinces that it must differentiate their indoor soccer programs from futsal and are asking them to push the latter. Although many regions in the country have many various futsal leagues and tournaments, nothing is really concrete in terms of structure. However, Ontario, BC and Quebec are leading the way for many futsal players in local leagues though many of the national team’s players are based in Alberta. Ontario held their 1st official provincial championships last winter, while BC hosted a futsal challenge, both at the U-13 level. Other provinces and territories are quickly following suit.

While tournaments are slowly emerging, where are the facilities for soccer?

The game itself can be and is predominantly played in local school gyms. More futsal specific facilities will have to be built to enhance the overall quality of the sport in Canada by increasing the number of its participants. Two newly built centres in the Greater Toronto Area are trying to go this route rather than build another typical indoor dome.

The Toronto Futsal Centre opened in October ’06 after converting an old curling facility into a 4-field futsal super-plex and is hoping that this translates into new era for the sport.

“We have a prime location in central Toronto and really believe that the future development of the game lies within futsal,” said manager Bert Lobo. “We are looking to attract youth soccer clubs and adult groups to develop leagues that will give the soccer community what they want, futsal.”

In Woodbridge, ON the Astra Sportsplex is a pilot project by a consortium including well known Canadian soccer personalities Bob Iarusci and Carmine Marcantonio. The new complex, located in the heart of the massive 905 soccer community, features a fantastic field turf that can convert into 3 pitches and will be hosting futsal specific leagues. But the plan isn’t to stop there, proclaims Marcantonio, a former NASL standout.

“This is the beginning of a much broader project in futsal for us that will have an indoor pitch that will also include two outdoor fields for a total soccer experience.”

There is also talk of futsal centres being constructed in Victoria, Vancouver, as well as Montreal, possibly in 2007. Futsal, though slowly, is gradually creeping its way across Canada and will eventually overtake regular indoor soccer as the CSA, provincial associations and local regions work further to develop the game. If you are looking to effectively develop you or your child’s soccer abilities, then this game is a clear cut choice in making that happen. With the passion for soccer expanding in Canada combined with our long winters, futsal is destined to become an essential aspect of the Canadian soccer scene.

The one big question to ask is, how soon is now?