Futsal can be described in many ways.  A passionate person from Brasil might despise my simplification of the sport.  Fine with me because I'll continue to call the sport soccer as well.  Put simply, Futsal is soccer on a court.  There are special rules, the ball is a small one with little bounce, and some of the best players in the world played the game for years as a child.

I did simplify describing the game.  It does warrant elaborating on the benefits of the game. The game is played 5v5, including a keeper. We will modify the game to accommodate the space and number of players in attendance at each session. We will not use a keeper as we are going to emphasize the field play.

BENEFIT 1: TOUCHES ON THE BALL

Small sided play allows all players to get the opportunity to support the play and touch the ball. A player improves when they can be put in soccer situations around the ball with high frequency.

BENEFIT 2: LITTLE TIME TO REST, LESS TIME TO THINK

Futsal can be a very fast paced game. In a couple seconds, a skilled player can beat a few opponents and put the ball in the back of the net. Space is limited so a player is constantly under pressure on the attack or required to apply pressure on the defense. A player has to make quick decisions under this pressure. The futsal environment will have every kids beat red in the face from constant sprinting and change of direction. The sport improves the agility, strength and fitness of every player that participates.

BENEFIT 3: IMPROVED TECHNIQUE AND CREATIVITY

The small sided nature of the game allows players many opportunities for repetitive passing and receiving. These fundamentals must be improved and kept sharp at any age.  The frequency of these forms of technique are only second to running on the field in a soccer game.

In my opinion, the development of creativity is the greatest benefit to each player in futsal. Players are able to exercise individual expression to complete passes, beat an opponent on the dribble or shoot on goal. We will be encouraging all of the kids to play the game with little structure or fear to express themselves.

Futsal has way more than 3 benefits of playing the game. These are the three that drive the club to emphasize the format in the offseason. The link below will give you a good view into all the benefits explained above.

Futsal Video

Everyone that submitted their response to be included in the November and December futsal play will be on the list below. I was able to accommodate nearly every request for a day. Only three players will have to miss one day due to day preference. I have provided a schedule with days and times by group.

Player List and Times, CLICK HERE for LIST

Location: John Muir Academy, 1973 Kensington Ln, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169

SOME NOTES ON EQUIPMENT

SHOES: You do not have to buy special shoes.  The low heel and flat bottom of a futsal shoe does make it easier to play on a hard court.  Any athletic shoe will do.  It is best to have a second pair of shoes that you do not wear outdoors.  The dirt collected on the shoe will get on the gym floor leaving it very slippery.  We will sweep the gym floor to clean it the best we can before we begin.

UNIFORM: Players will be dressed in regular training kit.  Both red and black pinnies are needed as well.  Temperatures will be going down.  All players should dress appropriately when they enter and leave the facility.  They will be very warm and sweaty when they leave.

SHIN GUARDS: All players must have shin guards on as contact can be frequent.

BALL: We will supply a futsal specific balls for the players to use.

DRINK: Players should only bring water.  There is no need for a sweet, sports drink.

SOME NOTES ON THE FACILITY

District 54 allows us to use their facilities at a very reasonable price.  It is important that we respect the facility.  Any issues could have us removed from future rentals.  Any issues with players could have the player removed from any activities at a District 54 facility.

• When you arrive, we may need a parent that is staying to monitor the front door and let players in.  We are not supposed to prop door open.  The school has a doorbell in the front that you can use if no one is at the door.
• The school has many projects on the hallway walls.  They must remain there.  No players should be playing or running in the halls (just like a regular school session).  Enter the school and go straight to the gym.
• All players will leave their bags outside of the gym, water included.  Breaks will be taken in the hallway.
• Player can change into clean shoes in the hallway before entering the gym.
• Players will be allowed to use the bathrooms.  Again, players should go straight to the bathroom and back to gym. No messing around in the bathroom or hallways.
• Parents will be allowed to stay and watch.  We want you to learn as well.  Space will be limited in the gym so we ask that you stand as close to the wall as possible or in a "pocket" in the gym where there is no play.

Play begins next week. Be sure to check the schedule to see when your first day is. I will add days and times to TeamSnap.  If you are new to futsal play, enjoy the experience. If you have played before, set an example and help your teams learn the game. See you soon.  - Jose