THE SPORT OF FUTSAL FAQs
 

MY (SON/DAUGHTER) DOES NOT PLAY SOCCER, WILL THEY BE ABLE TO PLAY FUTSAL?
Yes.  Futsal resembles and plays like soccer, however the rules and strategies are slightly modified to compensate for the smaller playing area. That said, the game is not overly complicated and only requires a little dexterity and basic understanding of the rules to play. Futsal is easy to learn and for players who have not played soccer or futsal before, it will not take long before they are up to par with ball handling, shooting and passing.

WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT/ CLOTHING DO THE PLAYERS NEED TO PARTICIPATE IN FUTSAL?
Players will need comfortable gym like clothing and clean indoor footwear that offers good traction and ankle support. Indoor footwear must always be secured (tie shoelaces) as there are frequent stop-starts and turning and loose footwear can impede movement or cause ankle fatigue/ injury.

Players should also consider eye protective wear, especially players under 10 or who are not experienced and just learning the sport. Shin pads are recommended for players to ensure kicks from sneakers do not injury a players shins (it is suggested that high (knee) socks be worn if the player chooses to use shin pads).  Unlike soccer, turf/ grass cleated shoes are not worn so risk to players (shins or otherwise) is less.  Jock/ Cup protection is optional.  Helmets and gloves are not used in futsal. 

Our instructors are very diligent on safety and have a zero tolerance for players who do not play safe or conduct themselves in a manner that continue to put other players or referee at risk.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FUTSAL AND SOCCER?
That’s one of the most commonly asked questions. Futsal may resemble soccer but there are distinguishable differences mainly because futsal is an indoor sport and in such, the equipment and rules are modified to suit the sports differences

• Futsal uses specialize balls that are smaller than actual soccer balls
• the rules of play promote safety compared with other forms of soccer
  • shoulder charging is not permitted
  • slide tackles are not allowed
  • aggressive/ dangerous play is not allowed
  • goalies cannot slide feet first towards an opponent
  • players cannot play the ball while laying on the court if an opponent is within distance of playing the ball
• when balls go out of play the player having the ball must kick the ball from the sideline instead of a throw in
• there are no offsides
• substitutions are permitted as the game is in progress (i.e. change on the fly).  Teams can have unlimited substitutions.
• the goal nets are smaller
• players wear indoor sneakers and not turf/ grass cleats footwear

Overall, futsal is played in a the smaller (gym) area and this makes the game more face-paced, intense and also more scoring opportunities.  For more information check out our YouTube channel Premier Futsal

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO PLAY FUTSAL?
Futsal is perfect for all ages ranging from 8 and up. Most Clubs offer various age brackets like U10, U13, U16, U19, Adult and Seniors. Our Clubs are recreational so players can learn and develop their skills. As players become more skilled and older, they can play in leagues that are more competitive. Male and females can play futsal together as the sport does not give any advantages over either.

IS THERE A PLACE WHERE MY (SON/DAUGHTER) CAN TRY FLOORBALL BEFORE COMMITTING TO JOIN A CLUB?
Most clubs will offer a FREE Discover Sports Night prior to the startup of their clubs and league play. This provides an opportunity to those who are new to futsal to try it without committing to signing up. Equipment is provided and players will have the ability to participate in drills or mini games to get a feel for the sport. There are several good videos worth referencing before trying futsal, as they will help the player/ parent get a good understanding of the sport, type of play and rules.  Be sure to check out our VIDEOS on the rules of play

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PLAY FUTSAL?
Futsal LEAGUES vary depending on the type of league (recreational or competitive), the facility (gym or full-size court), the number of games in a season or the costs to operate a league.  Registration fees therefore also can vary so it is best to check with the local operator for more details.
Clubs offer early bird registration incentives, discount for multiple players in a family, offer a returning player discount and may also charge a late registration fee, so the registration price can fluctuate depending on the market and demand in each club.
Other than registration fees, players will need their own protective equipment (sneakers, eye protection, shin pads and knee socks), which can range in price from $40 to $200.