All about Futsal Ronaldinho and Ronaldo developed their magical football skills by playing Futsal as youngsters. Originating in South America over 50 years ago Futsal now boasts over 30,000,000 players worldwide. Why this interest? …. Simply because it is fast, skilful and great fun to play! It is the greatest small sided version of the beautiful game in the world. There are over 4,000,000 players in Italy alone and it is the most played of any sport in Portuguese schools and universities. It is the only 5 a side game officially sanctioned by FIFA and UEFA and over 170 countries, including England, now compete at senior international level. There are full time professional leagues in many countries, with matches regularly televised. What makes Futsal so good at developing technical skills in young players? 1) Futsal is played indoors so the playing surface is always smooth and even and, of course, the weather is always perfect! 2) A smaller, heavier, ball is used to encourage sole of the foot control and passing along the floor. 3) Minimal physical contact between players is permitted. This allows skill to prevail over size and strength. 4) Once a team has committed 5 fouls in the half any further fouls will be punished by the award of a 10m penalty kick. This again supports the skilful player. 5) The game is very tactical and has a number of features similar to basketball. Pre- rehearsed set-plays at corners and kick-ins will give advantage and consequently the game develops a player’s fast thinking as much as his fast feet! 6) Although the team may field just 5 players on court at any one time a full 7 substitutes may be rolled on and off, throughout the game. This allows players to give 110% effort all of the time. Click here for summary of Laws of the Game