The streets are crowded and chaotic and there are no large fields nearby. The children improvise and find a narrow street to kick the ball around. This famous game of futsal, translated as “hall football”, developed in Brazil and spread quickly to other countries. 

“I played all the time on my mission in Portugal. It was too crowded for anything bigger. There were small fields all over for kids to play on,” said Jacob Jensen, a sophomore majoring
in biology.

Similar to the world famous sport of soccer, futsal involves a ball and two goals. The courts, however, are much smaller, the ball is smaller and heavier and there are only five players on
each team. 

Futsal is another intramural sport that BYU-Idaho has to offer. There are three separate leagues: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Some students use it as a way to stay in shape and work on their skills for soccer while others play for fun. 

“The rules are a lot different in futsal. I would say outdoor is easier to referee because people don’t get as intense. Sometimes people will think the rules are the same as soccer and they get really upset with calls I make that they aren’t used to,” said Cameron Black, a sophmore majoring in exercise physiology. 

The transition from soccer to futsal can be a hard one for both referees
and players. 

“You definitely have to change up your mind-set; it has a completely different feel to it,” said Tyson Thomas, studying exercise physiology.  

The restricted court and small space requires the players to have better ball control. The benefits of playing futsal can include enhanced technique
and passing. 

“I like indoor soccer because of the bigger arena and sometimes futsal can be congested,” said Jackie Cox, a junior studying in nursing. 

Although it is still not as popular as the typical 11 on 11 game of soccer, futsal can be enjoyed widely. It is a game of speed and tactics; or just speed, for those trying it out for their first time.