How To Build a Futsal Program
Building a Futsal program can be as complex or as simple as the league desires. Futsal programs can range from scheduled team futsal training to intra-mural leagues or inter-club leagues to state-wide leagues and tournaments.
Establishing a Futsal program, regardless of level and targeted outreach, will require identifying and securing an appropriate facility, acquiring Futsal-specific equipment including goals and balls, administrative resources to manage marketing, registration, scheduling, compliance, fees and policies, referee training and assignment, financial reporting, rules of competition, etc. as needed.
Most critically, the North American Futsal Federation has defined Futsal as a “soccer activity”. Therefore, players can participate in registered Futsal programs without the need to register with an outside futsal organization. Players registered with their local soccer associations are eligible to play in recognized Futsal programs. Those players who want to play in a Futsal program, but who are not yet registered with their local state association must do so. Futsal, therefore, is a viable method of reaching players who may not otherwise participate in youth soccer.
Facility
Futsal is designed to be played on a hard surface. If Futsal-specific courts are not available, basketball courts with either wood or all-purpose playing surfaces are commonly used and widely accessible. Re purposed basketball and tennis courts are options for outdoor play. Public and private schools, YMCA, college and commercial athletic facilities and municipal recreation facilities are possible sources of court space.
Equipment
- Balls are specially constructed for low-bounce and come in two sizes
- “Junior” (equivalent to a standard size 3 soccer ball) for age 12 and under
- “Senior” (size 4 equivalent) for age 13 and older
- Futsal goal is 2m x 3m (6’6’’ x 9’ 10”)
- Goals are available from many vendors as pop-up, portable or permanent, at various price points
- Other items:
- Soccer- cones, pinnies and other training aids.
Administrative Resources
As with any youth sports program, there will be a degree of administration required. For new organizations, governance and administrative infrastructure would need to be created and documented.
Some items to be considered:
- Fee structure and administrative policies
- Registration/web platform
- Marketing and Communication
- Financial reporting and oversight
- Compliance oversight
- Training curriculum/Coach education*
- Rules of competition
- Scheduling
- Referee recruitment and assignment**
- Post-season/Playoff structure (if applicable)
How Can the North American Futsal Federation help your Outdoor program build a Futsal Program?
- By connecting you to pre-existing Futsal organizations.
- By suggesting and sharing different Futsal models that currently exist across the nation.
- By providing guidance around next steps and possible partnership opportunities to make your effort successful.
- By providing coaching and referee certifications, plus other resources
NORTH AMERICAN FUTSAL FEDERATION 