Futsal leagues coming to Jersey later this year

Futsal leagues will be launched in Jersey later this year, bringing the small-sided version of football to the island for the first time.

The five-a-side game, which is played on indoor courts with a smaller, firmer ball, is relatively new to the British Isles but very popular around the world.

How futsal differs to other small-sided games:

• Usually played on hard indoor courts

• Futsal ball is smaller than a football (size 3 or 4) and has 30% less bounce

• Futsal goals are 3m x 2m (hockey-sized)

• Courts have touchlines and the ball is not played off walls

• Played under FIFA Futsal Laws

The sport is credited with helping develop some of the world's greatest football talents, including Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Jersey leagues will be run by Futsal Jersey, which has been set-up by former Jersey FA CEO Jean-Luc Desbois and current island men's manager Martin Cassidy.

It is hoped competitions will run from November to March for male and female players of all ages, with matches set to take place at indoor venues around the island.

The English FA launched a futsal strategy in 2018 with the stated aim of making it "the indoor game of choice for young players".

It is hoping to have 150,000 players participating regularly across both genders and all ages by 2024.