WHAT IS FUTSAL?

Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced form of the game that originates in South America. Played on hard pitches with small-sided teams, Futsal places emphasis on technical skill in restricted spaces.

  • Futsal is a popular indoor sport that is played by millions of people all over the world. It is a fast-paced, action-packed game that requires quick thinking, excellent ball control, and lightning-fast reflexes. Futsal has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s, when it was first played in Uruguay.

    The origins of futsal can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in the 1930s. Back then, football was the most popular sport in the country, and it was played everywhere, from the streets to the beaches. However, the lack of space and the rough conditions of the streets made it difficult to play football in its traditional form. This led to the development of a new version of football that could be played indoors and with fewer players.

    The new game was called "fútbol sala," which means "indoor football" in Spanish. It was played with a smaller, heavier ball, and on a smaller court than traditional football. The game quickly gained popularity in Uruguay and other South American countries, and it soon spread to Europe and Asia.

    Today, futsal is played all over the world, and it has become a popular sport among players of all ages and skill levels. The game is now played in professional leagues, as well as in schools and community centres. Futsal has also become a popular training tool for football players, as it helps to improve their ball control, speed, and agility.

  • - 5v5 , one of which will be a Goalkeeper. 

    - Subs on the fly, like hockey 

    - No offsides

    - No slide tackles, only for a block 

    - No Throw-ins from the side-lines. Instead, ball is placed on the ground and passed into a teammate with the foot 

    - Set Pieces/Kick Ins must be played within 4 seconds after the ball is placed still on the ground

    - Free kicks, corners and kick-ins must have the opposing team to be a minimum of 5 yards away from the ball 

    - You cannot pass directly back to the goalkeeper after they have passed the ball to you 

  • - Improves players decision making skills & provides players with more touches on the ball.

    - It develops the confidence in players to go 1v1 against their opponent.

    - It allows players to be creative in getting around their opposition.

    - It increases fitness levels and being more agile.

    - Futsal is great fun

    - Keep safe from bad weather conditions 


    Research indicates that individual’s playing Futsal receive the ball six times more often than they would do when they are playing 11-a-side football, allowing players to perform more individual techniques such as passes, controls, fakes, feints, dribbles and runs with the ball (Liverpool John Moores University, 2001) 

The pride of Portsmouth which is growing the game together as a community.

  • Our club is dedicated to advancing the sport of futsal, promoting its value both as a powerful development tool for football and as a competitive sport in its own right. We strive to cultivate local talent and foster a thriving futsal community, positioning ourselves as a leading force on the South Coast.

  • Portsmouth & Southsea Futsal Club offers a dynamic experience for youth and senior players, featuring exclusive events throughout the season, tailored development, personal growth, and a fresh style of play. Our youth programme opens new pathways for young athletes, while our senior programme accommodates both entry-level and competitive players, fostering a vibrant community at all skill levels.

  • It’s incredibly easy to register for our programmes, enrolling you as an official club member of Portsmouth & Southsea Futsal Club for the season. If you believe you have the skill and flair suited to the dynamic game of futsal, simply visit our Contact Us page to get started.

Jude Bellingham’s Futsal Journey

Jude Bellingham’s rapid rise to football stardom has captured the attention of fans worldwide — and at the core of his technical brilliance is an early relationship with futsal. Before dazzling crowds for Real Madrid and England, Bellingham honed his skills in the high-speed, close-quarters world of futsal.

Growing up in Birmingham, Bellingham was introduced to futsal as a young player. The game’s intensity, pace, and emphasis on control and creativity were a natural fit for his style. In futsal, where space is limited and time on the ball is short, Bellingham learned to think quickly, stay composed under pressure, and execute precise touches — all traits that now define his midfield dominance.

As one of the brightest young talents in world football, Bellingham’s story highlights how futsal can shape a complete, intelligent footballer. His journey is a modern example of how small-sided games can lay the groundwork for greatness on the grandest stages.

Kobbie Mainoo’s Futsal Journey

Kobbie Mainoo's journey from a young futsal enthusiast to a prominent midfielder for Manchester United and the England national team underscores the significant impact futsal has had on his development. Growing up in Stockport, Mainoo engaged in futsal with Manchester Futsal Club, where he cultivated essential skills such as ball control, vision, and composure under pressure.

Mainoo has acknowledged the influence of futsal on his playing style, stating, "I love being on the ball. Maybe playing futsal I was always comfortable taking it in tight areas." The fast-paced, confined nature of futsal necessitates quick decision-making and precise ball-handling, attributes that have become hallmarks of Mainoo's performances on the football field.​

The technical foundation laid during his futsal days has been evident in his seamless transition to professional football. Mainoo's comfort in tight spaces and ability to navigate through pressing opponents reflect the skills honed during his early futsal experiences. His development serves as a testament to how futsal can effectively prepare players for the demands of top-level football.​

Jadon Sancho’s Futsal Journey

Jadon Sancho’s journey to becoming one of England’s most exciting wingers has roots in the fast-paced, skill-focused game of futsal. Growing up in South London, Sancho was immersed in a football culture where tight spaces and quick feet were essential — a perfect environment for futsal to leave its mark.

Futsal, with its smaller, confined playing area and heavier ball, encourages creativity, quick decision-making, and precise ball control. Sancho thrived in this format, developing the kind of close control and flair that now defines his game. Whether it’s gliding past defenders or executing a clever nutmeg, much of his instinctive brilliance was honed during those early futsal sessions.

The Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United star has often spoken about how playing in cages and small-sided games helped build his confidence on the ball. Futsal, by its very nature, demands a high technical level — and Sancho used that foundation to elevate his one-on-one skills and spatial awareness.

The Rise

Discover the journey of Portsmouth’s futsal scene in The Rise, a short documentary by Portsmouth & Southsea FC. Directed by Club Founder Azza Shakib and produced by Joseph Batting, this film showcases the club’s growth, dreams, and future ambitions. Watch now and be part of the movement!