Have you ever been curious about futsal history? If you have, then check out how the sport came to be. In the past years, the popularity of futsal has been rising quite fast. People of different ages, both men, and women, are taking part in this sport which is now even recognized by the world’s football(soccer) governing body, FIFA.

The game is similar to soccer or football, but it’s played by 5 players including the goalie, instead of 11 players in a team. It’s played on a hard court instead of a soft pitch and uses a smaller, less bouncy, and heavier ball than the soccer one. By reading about futsal history below, not only will you find out its humble beginnings, but will also appreciate the sport more.

 

The History Of Futsal

According to records, Futsal, which is also referred to as Five-a-Side Soccer, began in 1930 in Montevideo, Uruguay. Juan Carlos came up with the idea of using 5, instead of 11 players per team during youth soccer competitions held in YMCAs in the region. The aim was to still enjoy soccer, but in a smaller space and, if possible, indoors. And considering that the YMCAs always had basketball courts readily available, he saw an opportunity and decided that this was one of the best places to play the game. He soon had youths playing the game both indoors and outdoors, and the number of participants increased.

The popularity of the game began to rise, and soon crossed the boundaries of Uruguay, where it all started. One of the regions where the sport was adopted almost instantly, was Brazil. And according to the history of futsal, some of the world’s best soccer players, such as Zico, Pele, Bebeto, and Socrates, honed their football skills by playing futsal initially. It helped them improve their dribbling skills which were quite influential in the 11-player football. It didn’t take long for Brazil to become a superpower in this sport, and they were soon winning tournaments and competitions all over the world. Actually, Brazil is now considered as the hub of Futsal and it regularly holds many tournaments both regional and global. Since its establishment, they have been the most successful team.

 

The First Ever Official Futsal Competitions

An important moment in futsal history is the one when the first international competition was organized. Records indicate that the first international competition was held in 1965, where Paraguay emerged winners of the South American Cup. By 1979, six international tournaments had been held and were all won by Brazil. The country also emerged victorious in the first Pan American Cup that was held in 1980, as well as that held in 1984. The first Futsal World Championship was another important milestone in the history of futsal. It was held in 1982 in Sao Paulo, Brazil under the auspices of the FIFUSA Organisation, and was again won by Brazil. FIFUSA later was merged into FIFA in 1989.

Other regions including Europe, North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and Oceania were taking notice of the game. In the US, Futsal was established in 1981 but was incorporated in January 1983. Oswald Garcia was the first president and currently, the position is held by Alex J.C. Para. The game is also referred to by many other names including five-a-side soccer, Mini soccer, Futebol de Salao, and Futbol Sala. However, the Futsal is the trademark name that is recognized by FIFA.

 

Who Came Up With Futsal?

Juan Carlos Ceriani is the man credited with establishing futsal. However, the man who established the term “FUTSAL” is Alexander Para of the U.S. Minisoccer Federation. Initially, the sport was being referred to as Futebol de Salao and Futbol Sala which means lounge or indoor soccer. Futebol or Futbol was/is soccer while Sala or Salon means indoor or lounge. And so, the man who came up with the concept is Juan Carlos Ceriani of Uruguay, whereas the precise name abbreviation can be credited to Alexander, a little further down the road.

In the beginning, many schools in the region weren’t comfortable with soccer being played in the gym since they believed it could damage property, and were thus reluctant to incorporate it. Mr. Para then decided to merge the first’s three letters of Futbol/ Futbol with the first three letters of Sala or Salon and came up with FUTSAL. The name was adopted in 1987 and was trademarked in the United States in 1989, and perception of the sport soon shifted, as more and more locations started to appreciate it and include it in their curriculums.

FIFUSA was the governing body of Salon Futbol, while FIFA was using the “Five-a-Side” name to describe the game. Different regions were using different names, some preferring the Spanish, others the Portuguese terminology, while some chose the French term. During a meeting held in 1989, FIFUSA and FIFA were merging under FIFA, Mr. Para suggested that the new body adapt a name that was universal and the decision was to settle for FUTSAL. The term is now the most widely used term for the five-a-side football and is also the recognized name by FIFA, the world’s football governing body.

 

Summing Up

This was basically the full history of futsal, how it came to be, and how it grew into the nowadays officially recognized sport that has so many organizations, tournaments, and leagues. If you are interested in how the game is played, what are the current rules and how to get better at futsal, feel free to browse the other articles on our site.