I went on an FA course entitled 'Coaching FutSal: A Beginner's Guide' to see if it could be used as a development tool for training the boys at Wadhurst.
In short, it can. It has a lot to offer in the cramped confines of the gym at Uplands.
The course was run by Ben Tadmor, of First Class Football, who did an excellent job of 'selling' FutSal.
Here's a quick rundown of the rules.
The goals are 2m by 3m. This is a better size for indoor use - similar to the ones used in mini soccer - and much safer than using traditional metal five-a-side goals with the crossbar at the same level as a young player's face.
The use of touchlines and restarts is much more realistic than bouncing the ball off a wall and you don't get that hazardous situation when a few players are trying to dig the ball out of a corner.
There's no height restriction either so the boys learn to make and control a lofted pass. Headers are brought into play too.
There are some good drills that can be used to teach technical skills analogous to ones we use outdoors - pass and move, running with the ball, shooting etc.
Players get plant of touches too whichmeans they get all the benefits of small-sided games.
I've played it a couple of times with my adult five-a-side group and it's gone down very well. It's a lot more skill-based and very quick. I encourage you to try it and would be glad to share my knowledge with anyone who's interested in finding out a bit more.
Better still go on a course, it doesn't take long and is good fun.
If you're still not convinced I'll leave you with these stats: The only countries who have ever won the FutSal World Cup are Brazil and Spain. England are ranked 88th
