The benefits of playing futsal are aplenty and they are not only restricted to adult players. Futsal is being recommended even to small children and teenagers as it is just equally fun as it is physically uplifting.

I have seen my children reap the benefits of playing the sport and I cannot help but share them to my fellow parents:

It Fosters Sportsmanship

Futsal is being played globally and became the sole indoor soccer game that earned the official recognition of both FIFA and UEFA. In fact, there is a Futsal World Cup attended by over 100 countries worldwide. So to speak, it is a competitive sport.

Allowing our children to engage in futsal early on teaches them the value of sportsmanship. It further inculcates the values of hard work and team effort which are essentially needed to survive in the world as it is.

It Promotes Strategic Thinking

The game only consists of 5 players per team and the chances are high for a player to face head on with another opponent, especially that the field is relatively smaller than a typical soccer field.

The events are also relatively short-spaced that quick, strategic thinking is required almost always, all throughout the competition. I have witnessed my child in action playing the infamous futsal and I can attest to how the game has improved his analytical skills.

The changes may not come on big and obvious, yet the improvement is solid and persistent. For instance, I notice how quickly he changes his direction when a speeding car approaches him. Or, amazingly he’s able to find ways to crunch several household chores in such a short period.

It Prepares the Kid for Soccer

If you examine both sports closely, you’ll realize there is not much difference between indoor futsal and soccer, except for a few ball techniques and rules.

Messi, Ronaldo, and Pele are the world’s most famous soccer players who are proud former futsal players. Because futsal can be played indoors, consistency of practice is assured, rain or shine.

More so, with the relatively smaller number of players involved, the passing of ball becomes extremely critical. Studies show that futsal players receive the ball 6 times more than when playing soccer.

In effect, your individual technical becomes more improved, ready for a bigger game, especially when your child wishes to one day transition to soccer.

It Boosts Self-esteem

Concomitant to the advantage of increased ball exposure is the enhancing of self-esteem. The players become more confident in their ability to score. Futsal, suffice it to say, is more empowering to kids.

I have seen kids as young as 7 years old who seem to enjoy futsal and feel confident about their skills. This spills over outside the confines of a court, even in their performance at school or other organizations.

It Provides an Opportunity for Cathartic Release

Children and teenagers generally have higher energy than most adults. Their body, brought about by hormonal changes, is at its most optimum state to engage in any sport.

Alongside puberty, emotional and mental challenges also come their way and I, having been exposed to kids of several age groups, can attest to the wavering emotions of a youngster.

Futsal then becomes a very good outlet for any pent-up emotions. It is rough, yet never abusive. So it becomes perfect for releasing the stresses that kids may not express well just yet.

Ultimately, I can say that futsal keeps the youth active, away from vices and other unhealthy habits. It instills discipline and furthers their agility and endurance. Maneuvering the ball is difficult, after all. It promotes sharp thinking and sharper physical skills.