Futsal is a fast-paced 5-a-side soccer game that is widely played across the world and is officially recognized by both USSF and FIFA. While it can be a sport in its own right, Futsal does not compete with mainstream soccer, but serves to support it. Futsal is widely considered a valuable tool in the development of young players to assist them in becoming more technically proficient and Washington Youth Soccer endorses it as a key part of our age appropriate training philosophy, particularly for our U6-U17 age groups.

The style of Futsal fosters key skills and techniques that are all directly transferable to the 11-a-side game while also incorporating the principles of attack and defense. Through Futsal, players have increased opportunity for:

• Development of agility, balance, coordination and speed
• Becoming comfortable with the ball
• Practice passing, dribbling, turning, shooting and ball control while under pressure
• Learning to make quick decisions while under pressure and in tight spaces
• Learning better spatial awareness

Additionally, Futsal is primarily an indoor sport so players can continue their development during the winter months when outdoor surfaces are not available due to poor weather conditions. Beyond development, Futsal is a great opportunity for players 16+ to play a recognized form of 5-a-side with a pathway to play in recreational, regional, national and European competitions in the future.

To the left, you will find a full list of resources that will help you integrate Futsal into your soccer programs.