New Zeland Futsal.

What is Futsal?

Futsal is the only form of ‘indoor football’ or ‘five-a-side’ that is officially approved by FIFA and New Zealand Football. It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world, is played in over 100 countries and boasts millions of players around the world.

The name "Futsal" comes from the merging of the Spanish/Portuguese words for football (Futbol or Futebol) and the French or Spanish word for "Indoor" (Salon or Sala).

Following changes at the international level between FIFA (Federation Internationale Football Association) and FIFUSA (Federation of Internationale De Futbol Sala) the sport became united with the outdoor version of the game, in 1989.

The game of Futsal is played on a firm, flat surface on a court ranging in size from that of a standard basketball court to the full FIFA International size of 42 x 25 metres. The special feature of the game is the unique properties of the ball, which has a low rebound. The game develops close individual ball skills as the court is small and players are forced into limited space & option scenarios.

Games are usually fast-paced, with players receiving more touches and are constantly placed in demanding decision making, limited space situations that they would face on a greatly reduced scale playing 11-a side outdoor soccer. Because the sport is a great skill developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking, and pinpoint passing, it is an exciting game for children as well as adults.

In 2004, FIFA declared that all National Associations take responsibility for Futsal in their countries.

New Zealand Football is now working to establish a National Futsal Standing Committee to be responsible for all Futsal activities throughout the country.

Futsal National Selection Tournament 2007

On behalf of New Zealand Football and New Zealand Futsal, Northern Futsal will host the Futsal National Selection Tournament 2007.

The Futsal National Selection Tournament will be held at the ASB Stadium in Kohimarama, Auckland, over the weekend of 24 and 25 November 2007 – see our website for details www.futsal.co.nz.

This event has been organised to select players for the National Men’s Futsal Squad, from which a National Men’s Team will be selected to participate in the OFC Futsal World Qualifying Tournament in July 2008. The winner of the OFC Futsal Tournament will then represent Oceania at the Futsal World Cup to be held from 1 to 19 October 2008 in Brazil.

Six teams have taken up the invitation to participate in the Futsal National Selection Tournament: one team from the Brazilian Futsal School in the Waikato, one team from Capital Futsal in Wellington, one team from West Auckland, one team from Futsal North Shore and two teams from the oldest and largest Futsal club in New Zealand, East City Futsal.

Futsal (five–a-side indoor soccer) is one of the fastest growing games in the world. New Zealand Football and New Zealand Futsal are looking to build the game in New Zealand.

Come along and watch the demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin-point passing that is the game of Futsal. The Futsal National Selection Tournament promises to be an exciting event not to be missed.

Click here for the full draw and results.