What is Futsal? An exhibition match comes to Carmarthen!

Futsal is the official format of Small Sided Football that is recognised and supported by FIFA, UEFA and the FAW. There is a FIFA Futsal World Cup and a UEFA European Championships for National teams. In addition club champions from across Europe progress to a Champions League format competition named the UEFA Futsal Cup.

Futsal originated in the South American countries of Uruguay and Brazil where a shortage of playing pitches forced a football population to play small sided football. A version began to develop on the streets leading to the publishing of the first rules of the game in 1936 from the country that would soon become the masters of the game.

The rule of Futsal are very similar to eleven a side football with many of the skills and techniques transferable. Futsal is a five a side game, played on a flat indoor pitch with hockey/handball sized goals and a size 4 ball with a 30% reduced bounce. It is played to touchlines and all players are free to enter the penalty area and play the ball over head height. In Futsal players are constantly placed in situations where they must receive or play whilst under pressure in confined spaces. The demands of the game mean players must develop excellent technical ability, vision and awareness, decision making under pressure and cope with the fast paced physical requirements of the game.

These demands make Futsal an excellent development tool for young players as they are provided with a large number of opportunities to be in possession of the ball and practice techniques and skills.

Futsal is already played around the world by over 30 million people of both sexes in at least 100 countries reflecting its global potential. Every day more and more federations, associations, academies, schools and clubs are discovering potential, diversity and enjoyability. Over 96 countries entered the FIFA Futsal World Cup held in Brazil in 2008. Along with a World Cup for Futsal, there is a UEFA European Futsal Championship for international teams to enter every two years and there is an annual UEFA Futsal Cup which acts as the “Champions League” for Futsal, with national domestic club champions entering. The rapid growth and development of Futsal is acknowledged by FIFA, who claim that it is the “fastest growing indoor sport in the world.”

You now have an opportunity to come and watch a game of futsal yourself, Whats better is that its on your doorstep in the Trinity Uni Carmarthen. FAW Elite Leagues' Llandarcy Futsal Club will take on a Swansea City Select which will include Lee Trundle, James Thomas, Matthew Bound and Michael Howard. The game will take place at the Uni on 26th July and will kick off at 12pm.

COME AND TAKE A LOOK AND JOIN THE FUTSAL REVOLUTION!