BY BLESSING BONSAYO

Despite not being popular, futsal has caught the attention of many soccer fans. It is a sport that requires quick decision-making, skills, and good endurance. Futsal is played on a smaller field with a smaller, heavier ball. It’s estimated that futsal players receive 210% more touches on the ball (than in arena soccer). Plus, with the narrow pitches, a mistaken pass is a real problem as the opponents quickly take possession of the ball. Here is a little background on this marvelous game. The sport originated in Uruguay in 1930. A local coach in Montevideo developed futsal after getting tired of having to cancel outdoor games due to weather conditions. He moved his players inside for a five-per-side game. Around the same time, in Brazil, small-sided games were popular too. But they were played out in the streets due to a shortage of stadiums for the many youngsters wanting to play futbol. 

Futsal, without a doubt, is one of the most attractive sports to watch and every day its number of fans and players continue to increase. The Most famous athletes in soccer began their journeies with futsal. Players such as Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, etc. With this quote coming from arguably the best soccer player Lionel Messi quoting, “As a little boy in Argentina, I played futsal on the streets and for my club. It was tremendous fun, and it really helped me become who I am today.” and another great player Cristiano Ronaldo quoting “The small playing area helped me improve my close control, and whenever I played futsal, I felt free.If it wasn’t for futsal, I wouldn’t be the player I am today.” Even the brazilian magician Neymar Jr quoting “There’s no doubt futsal has helped me a lot in my career,it’s one of the biggest passions in my life. I used to love playing it, but unfortunately I had to stop when I was 13 or 14 in order to grow up as a footballer.”

The study claims that playing futsal actually improve your ball control. They also said that playing the sport will provide players with more touches on the ball and more opportunities to develop foot skills and improve the first touch. The sport forces you into  taking risks and becoming creative with the ball. It is something players may not have the chance to do on a regular soccer field. The continuous, fast-paced nature of this sport allows players to sharpen their spatial intelligence and develop the understanding of the game.