Futsal to kick-off from July 2021

Futsal Jersey Limited today announced dates to kick-off the much-anticipated introduction of futsal to Jersey. Futsal is the fastest growing indoor sport in the world today and this smaller-sided version of the traditional game of football promises to provide excellent opportunities as the game develops in the island.

Futsal Fun Weeks have been confirmed at Haute Vallee school this summer, starting from 26th July to 20th August 2021. Whilst these fun weeks are aimed at youths of all abilities, between the ages of 10-14 years, formation of futsal leagues will follow with adult leagues set to kick-off from 1st October, youth leagues and minis introductory sessions from 30th October 2021. 

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Martin Cassidy, Director of Futsal Jersey Limited and Head Coach of the Island men’s football team. He added: “We set up the company in April 2020 and had to be patient whilst the Government of Jersey COVID regulations prevented the sport from kicking-off indoors.”

Futsal Fun Weeks will be supported by guest coaches from England and Scotland attending, subject to COVID travel regulations. These fun weeks will provide approximately 60 children (each week) with their first taste of Futsal, which has a proven track-record of developing players, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jean-Luc Desbois, Managing Director, Futsal Jersey Limited said: “We will be working closely with the Jersey Football Association to ensure futsal is integrated and works in harmony with the current football programme. The aim is to enhance footballing and futsal opportunities for all. Our futsal leagues will operate during the winter months and will provide regular weekly indoor competition, which is often disrupted in football outside, through adverse weather and shorter days.” 

Futsal Jersey will be contacting football clubs, corporate entities, teams from the former Fort Regent 5-a-side league and recreational footballers over the summer to formalise teams for the various leagues. Anyone wanting more details of the Futsal Fun Weeks should visit www.futsal.je and enquiries concerning Futsal Leagues can be made to play@futsal.je

Futsal Snapshot

There are five main characteristics which make futsal different from 11-a-side and 5-a-side football:

• Surface – Usually played on hard indoor courts
• Ball - Futsal ball is smaller than a football (size 3 or 4) and has 30% less bounce
• Goals - Futsal goals are 3m x 2m (hockey-sized)
• Lines - Courts have touchlines and the ball is not played off walls
• Laws – FIFA Futsal Laws of the Game

Futsal places greater emphasis on technique, skill and fast decision-making, over contact and the physical aspects of football. It encourages players to be creative, innovate and become more comfortable on the ball in tighter spaces. This dynamic, high intensity format is proven to provide players with up to 600% more touches of the ball than in a regular game of football. 

For more details please email play@futsal.je