Futsal is a five-a-side game, normally played on a flat indoor pitch with hockey-sized goals and a size-four ball that has a reduced bounce. The exciting, fast-paced sport is played across the world and is officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA.
County FAs, youth football leagues, youth Futsal leagues, schools (excluding primary level), senior colleges and sixth forms in the county are being encouraged to apply for a “Futsal starter pack”. It includes Futsal-specific equipment including goals, balls and bibs, as well as FA-accredited coaching and refereeing courses.
The starter packs are designed to adapt existing sports halls, playgrounds and other hard surface facilities by providing new and existing players with the necessary tools and skills to develop and maintain Futsal leagues, competitions and fixtures across Cumbria.
Applications are now open and close in October.
Specifically, applications for female Futsal (12-18 years), youth Futsal (14 years and over), youth football leagues (Under-14s to Under-18s), Association of Colleges (AoC) members with facilities offering community usage and English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) and Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) member schools with facilities offering community usage are being considered.
Michael Skubala, England Futsal head coach, said: “Through our partnership with the Football Foundation, the fund is a fantastic way to celebrate and start to grow the sport in this country.
“We want to see more players playing the sport in new leagues and competitions, and I would encourage all those who are eligible to apply for the scheme by Friday, October 6.”
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