Futsal

Futsal is fast-paced and played on a hard court, usually in sports halls. It is played around the globe and is designed to encourage quick thinking, close control, and teamwork.

Futsal helps players develop technical skills, decision-making, and fitness in a fun and inclusive environment. UEFA governs Futsal in Europe and FIFA across the world. It is widely recognised as an excellent development tool for young players, supporting physical literacy, confidence, and enjoyment while making football accessible to all abilities.

Key laws of the game:

• Match length: Typically two halves of 20 minutes (stopped clock), depending on age and competition level
• Ball: Played with a smaller, low-bounce ball designed for better control
• No walls: The ball stays in play within court lines, with kick-ins instead of throw-ins
• Fouls: Physical contact is limited; teams accumulate fouls, and after a set number, opponents are awarded a direct penalty-style shot
• No offside: There is no offside rule, encouraging fluid attacking play
• Fair play: Respect, safety, and sportsmanship are central to the game

Primary formats

As futsal is already a small-sided game, formats at primary school should remain 5v5. However, to accommodate different numbers, playing 4v4 or even 3v3 is possible to help young players learn the game.

• Primary 3v3 is ideal for those new to the game and will help ensure all players are active, get more touches of the ball, and can learn the intricacies of the game
• Primary 5v5 helps players begin to understand basic futsal positional play while still enjoying frequent touches on the ball

Remember, School Games futsal is intended for children who have little or no experience of futsal or competition. This flexible offer ensures that futsal is welcoming and accessible to all.

Secondary formats

For secondary settings, formats at primary school should also remain 5v5. However, to accommodate different numbers, playing 4v4 or even 3v3 is possible to help young players learn the game.

• Secondary 3v3 is ideal for those new to the game and will help ensure all players are active, get more touches of the ball, and can learn the intricacies of the game
• Secondary 5v5 helps players begin to understand basic futsal positional play while still enjoying frequent touches on the ball

Remember, School Games futsal is intended for children who have little or no experience of futsal or competition. This flexible offer ensures that futsal is welcoming and accessible to all.

SEND formats

In a SEND-specific environment, the formats are no different to that of mainstream. The emphasis is on choosing the format most suitable to the experience and ability of the children and young people you are engaging, as well as adapting the game if required.

We encourage teachers to take the time to understand the laws of the game and adapt them accordingly to help SEND players engage with the game from a physical and social perspective. Modifying some of the laws of the game is a great way to also increase the confidence level of young players and give them a sense of belonging within futsal as they learn the fundamentals of the game.

Equipment needed

• Age-appropriate futsal balls (primary age – size 3/secondary age – size 4)
• Bibs (minimum two colours)
• Flat markers
• Goals (3m x 2m)
• A suitable hard playing surface