What would you say is the worlds fastest growing indoor sport? Futsal!

Futsal is an indoor version of association football (soccer). The name "Futsal" simply combines the Spanish words for "Hall" - Sala, and "Football" - Futbol into Futsal. It is the format of small sided football that is recognised and supported by FIFA, UEFA and recently the FA, with world championships taking place for club and national teams.

Futsal is played between two teams of five players, one of who is a goalkeeper. In addition each team may have up to 7 substitutes, which means each team can comprise a maximum of 12 players.

Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the playing arena boundaries are marked with lines, and not walls or boards that players can use to rebound the ball.

Futsal is played with a smaller regulation ball with 30% less bounce than normal. The ball can also be kicked above head height, goals are similar in size to hockey goals. Corners can be taken and throw-ins are replaced by kick-ins from touch lines, both of which must be taken within 4 seconds. This makes the game very fast, dynamic and exciting.

As a small-sided game, players are constantly placed in situations where they must receive or play whilst under pressure or in confined spaces and it places considerable demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness.

What's The Difference? - Ten Key Points...
No. FUTSAL TRADITIONAL 5-A SIDE
1 Five players on court with rolling substitutes Five players in court - limited substitutes
2 Played to lines. Ball is returning to play with a "kick-in" to replace a throw-in. A corner kick is allowed. Goal kick replaced by goalkeepers throwing the ball with no height restrictions. No By lines or End lines - Use of rebound boards or walls and the ball is constantly in play. Goalkeepers normally return the ball to play with an underarm roll-out below knee height.
3 Use of wider and longer pitches Smaller playing pitches used that limit football experience
4 All players are allowed to enter the penalty area. Only goalkeepers are allowed in the penalty areas.
5 No height restriction on the ball. The height of the ball is restricted. Normally below head height play.
6 Use of square goals similar to hockey goals. Use of lower rectangular goals.
7 Use of Futsal ball similar to a size 3 regulation football but with 30% reduced bounce. Use of normal or indoor football. Size 5 for adults and size 3 or 4 for youth players.
8 5 foul limit - no wall for direct free kick from ten metres after 5th foul Unlimited fouls
9 Games played in two 20 minute halves in real time. This means the clock is stopped every time the ball is out of play - so average games can last an hour or more Shorter games - normally 10 - 15 minutes in total
10 Goalkeepers are allowed to play as an outfield player Goalkeepers are normally restricted to playing within a marked penalty area