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⚽ Introduction to Futsal



“Fast feet. Sharp minds. Pure football.”

Futsal is more than just a five-a-side game — it’s a global movement that sharpens skills, quickens decision-making, and fuels creativity. The FA’s Introduction to Futsal course is the perfect starting point for coaches, educators, and volunteers who want to unlock the unique power of futsal in developing well-rounded, intelligent players.


This course brings the world’s fastest-growing indoor game into focus, showing how it can transform your players and your coaching.


🌍 What Is Futsal?


Futsal is a small-sided, high-intensity, fast-paced format of football, played on a hard indoor court with a smaller, low-bounce ball. With fewer players, tighter spaces, and non-stop transitions, it demands:


  • 💡 Rapid decision-making

  • 🎯 Technical precision

  • 🧠 Tactical intelligence

  • 🏃 Relentless movement

“Futsal is the school of football — where intelligence and skill are born.”

📚 Course Overview: What You’ll Learn


🧠 1. Understanding the Game of Futsal


  • Origins and global influence

  • Rules, structure, and match flow

  • The role of the futsal ball and hard court surface

  • Key differences from traditional football


💬 “It’s not just a smaller pitch — it’s a whole new game.”

🔄 2. Futsal's Impact on Player Development


  • Enhancing ball mastery and tight-space control

  • Encouraging creativity and flair

  • Promoting game intelligence under pressure

  • Supporting transitions, rotations, and tactical flexibility


🔥 Ideal for youth development, grassroots environments, and academy enhancement.


🎓 3. How to Deliver Futsal Sessions


  • Setting up effective practices

  • Structuring games and constraints

  • Building futsal into a seasonal coaching programme

  • Maximising development through repetition and variation


🧩 Learn how to coach key moments in a futsal match: attack, defence, transitions, and set plays.


🧾 4. Rules and Regulations You Need to Know


  • Key laws of the game: fouls, restarts, substitutions, time-outs

  • Role of the goalkeeper and sweeper-keeper

  • Understanding accumulated fouls and penalty processes

  • Safety, environment, and fairness


🧑‍⚖️ Knowledge of the rules builds confidence and authority when delivering sessions.


🧑‍🏫 Course Format & Delivery


  • 💻 Delivered online (self-paced)

  • 🕒 Takes around 90 minutes to complete

  • 🎯 Includes interactive quizzes, videos, and real-life futsal footage

  • 🧾 Certificate awarded on completion


A brilliant entry point for anyone looking to explore the benefits of futsal — whether in schools, clubs, or academies.


⚽ Why Every Coach Should Learn Futsal


Completing this course means you're:


✔ Equipped to introduce futsal to your players

✔ Aware of how futsal complements traditional football

✔ Ready to promote technical development and quick decision-making

✔ Adding an extra dimension to your coaching identity


“Futsal doesn’t replace football — it enhances it.”

🚀 Futsal as a Developmental Powerhouse


The world's top talents — from Messi to Neymar, Xavi to Ronaldo — credit futsal for shaping their technical ability, composure, and vision. The small court and quick tempo build:


  • Faster reactions

  • Sharper thinking

  • Superior touch and control

  • Love for the ball


🧠 "In futsal, you touch the ball far more — and you think even faster."

🏁 In Summary


The Introduction to Futsal course is your ticket into one of the most exciting and effective development tools in modern football. Whether you're coaching at grassroots or elite levels, futsal provides the perfect foundation for developing smarter, more skilful players.


🌍 Bringing Futsal into Your Coaching Philosophy


Steve Halls is an FA qualified football coach offering consultancy, talent identification, mentoring and player representation in Cheshunt and the surrounding areas. In today’s connected world, Steve can offer his services to players, clubs, and organisations across the globe. With futsal-inspired development techniques and a passion for holistic coaching, Steve creates environments where creativity, intelligence, and flair flourish.










Arsene Wenger's Push for Offside Rule Overhaul: What's at Stake?




Arsene Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development, is pushing for a radical change to the offside rule, which could potentially give attackers a significant advantage on the field.


According to The Times, Wenger is "convinced" that his proposal works, following successful trials in Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands.


His proposal suggests that there must be "daylight" between the attacker and defender for an offside offence to occur. If any part of the attacker's body, from which they can score, is in line with the last defender, then this is considered onside. Wenger intends to present his proposal to the International FA Board (IFAB) and is hopeful for swift adoption.





However, despite the potential benefits, there are concerns that Wenger's proposal may give too much advantage to attackers, according to the report. Luis Figo, head of UEFA's Football Board, is reportedly against the proposal, suggesting that further trials may be necessary in competitions using VAR before any changes are made to the law.


David Dein, former Arsenal and FA vice-president, has expressed support for Wenger's idea, describing it as "refreshingly innovative" during a FIFA Congress in Bangkok. Wenger himself has been working on this proposal for four years, emphasising the need for a change in the offside rule to eliminate contentious decisions based on millimetres.


Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football, shares his perspective on Wenger's proposal, stating, "Wenger's proposal represents a significant shift in how we perceive offside offences. By focusing on 'daylight' between attackers and defenders, it could simplify the decision-making process for referees and reduce the controversy surrounding offside calls. However, we must also consider the potential impact on the game's dynamics and fairness. Any changes should undergo thorough testing and evaluation before implementation."


While Premier League clubs are set to see changes to offside decisions next season with the introduction of semi-automated technology, any further alterations to the offside rule will require IFAB approval. Wenger's proposal marks a potential turning point in football's rulebook, but its adoption hinges on careful consideration and consensus among football's governing bodies.





Premier Days: The Ultimate Training Experience at Tottenham Hotspur's State-of-the-Art Training Centre!





Join us on Sat 8th June 2024 for a Mixed Session and Sun 9th June 2024 for Mixed and Girls-only sessions.


This exclusive event, held at the renowned Hotspur Way Training Centre, offers young players a chance to train like professionals. Developed in partnership with NexxtGen Football, these Premier Days cater to ages 5 to 12 for mixed-gender programmes and ages 8 to 14 for Girls-Only sessions*.


"This is an incredible opportunity for young players to immerse themselves in a professional football environment," says Steve Halls, founder of NexxtGen Football. "Training at Tottenham Hotspur's Academy pitches is a dream come true for many aspiring footballers."





Throughout the day, participants will engage in meticulously crafted sessions designed by Tottenham Hotspur's esteemed Academy. Emphasising creativity, decision-making, and technical proficiency, our coaching stations cover every aspect of the game. From mastering 1v1 situations to perfecting finishing techniques, players will develop essential skills while experiencing the club's football philosophy firsthand.


"We want to inspire the next generation of footballers and provide them with an unforgettable experience," adds Halls. "Premier Days at Tottenham Hotspur's Training Centre offer a glimpse into the dedication and passion required to succeed at the highest level."



Please note that kit sizes cannot be exchanged, so please select carefully. For more information and kit sizes, please click here >>>


*Girls-Only sessions available for ages 8 to 14.




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