Futsal is a rapidly growing sport in New Zealand.

For some, it's the game they love most, a stand alone sport with it's own excitement and culture. Others see it as a way to sharpen their football skills in the off season and stay fit.

If you haven’t given it a go yet, here’s a bit of an explainer: what it is, and how to get involved.

What is Futsal?

Futsal is played on a hard court - roughly the size of a netball court  - with five players per side, including a goalkeeper. It is usually played indoors, but it can be played outside too.

The sport is known for its speed, tight ball control, and emphasis on technical skills. While similar to traditional football, futsal has unique rules that set it apart.

Key differences include:

• Smaller Ball: Futsal uses a smaller, slightly heavier ball designed to stay on the ground, favouring quick passes and control.
• No Walls: Unlike some indoor football versions, futsal has no walls or boards. The ball is in play only on the court, and the sidelines are treated like those in traditional football.
• Unlimited Substitutions: Players can be substituted at any point, and rolling substitutions are allowed (players can be subbed on and off)
• Four-Second Rule: Players have four seconds to resume play from kick-ins, corners, and free kicks.
• Accumulated Fouls: After a team commits five fouls, each additional foul results in a direct free kick for the opposing team, with no defensive wall allowed. They reset to zero at half time. (Just be aware that what's considered a foul is not always the same across both sports)

The smaller pitch and fewer players mean short, accurate passing and quick decision-making. It’s a game where speed, creativity, and agility can often outweigh physical strength.

Adults playing at a very competitive level - that's only the FORD Futsal Superleague in New Zealand - will play with a running clock that stops for timeouts, injuries, or when the ball is out of play. This means that while each half is 20mins long, the game can take around 90 mins or more to play. 

WaiBOP Futsal Leagues are all played with 18 minute halves, and no stop clock. 

History

Futsal originated in South America in the 1930s.

In Uruguay in 1930, "fútbol de sala" or "fútbol de salón" (literally, indoor football), was created by Argentine teacher Juan Carlos Ceriani as a way for children to play football in smaller indoor spaces.

In neighbouring Brazil, Futebol de Salão was being played in São Paolo.

Different versions and rules were played across South America, until 1956 when Brazil wrote the first Book of Rules that was adopted at the international level.

Futsal is played worldwide, from community centres to international arenas. There is a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Major futsal leagues operate in countries like Spain, Italy, Brazil, and Russia. The FIFA Futsal World Cup is the top international tournament, held every four years.

In New Zealand, futsal is growing in popularity, with local and regional competitions and a national league, the FORD Futsal Superleague, as well as national tournaments for different age groups.

How to play in our region?

WaiBOP Football run Futsal leagues in our two main cities: Hamilton and Tauranga, for Juniors, Youth and Adults. 

Juniors & Youth

Junior leagues are U9, U11 and U13. 

Youth Leagues are Junior High School (year 9/10) and Senior High School (year 11/12/13)

Teams can have a maximum of 10 players.

Schools and clubs can enter teams, with most teams coming from schools. If your school doesn’t currently enter teams, maybe talk to them about entering one?

There are several football clubs who have futsal teams, and a handful of futsal only clubs as well.

If you don’t have a school team and want to play futsal, check out the registration page for more information. 

Senior/Adult Leagues

Adult leagues have grades ranging from competitive to social, and you don't need to be with a club. You can register as a group of friends.

Register your team here

https://www.waibopfutsal.co.nz/competitions/register-1

Article added: Tuesday 09 September 2025