About Us
History of Futsal
The origin of Futsal (Five-a-Side Soccer) can be traced back to Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani devised a five-a-side version of soccer 
for youth competion in YMCAs. The game is played on basketball-sized courts, both indoors and out without the use of sidewalls.
The game is frequently referred to as Five-A-Side or Mini-soccer. Once Ceriani got the ball rolling, Futsal gained rapid popularity throughout South America, particularly in Brazil. The skill developed in this game is visible in the world-famous style the Brazilians display outdoors on the full-sized field. Pele, Zico, Socrates, Bebeto and other Brazilian superstars developed their skill playing Futsal. While Brazil continues to be the Futsal hub of the world, the game is now played, under the auspices of FIFA, all over the world, from Europe to North and Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Asia and Oceania.
U.S. Futsal was founded in 1981 and incorporated in January, 1983. Osvaldo Garcia was it’s first president. The game is referred to as Minisoccer, five-a-side soccer, Futbol Sala or Futebol de Salao, but it is also widly refereed by it trademark name, Futsal. The current U.S. Futsal president is Alex J.C. Para.
The first international Futsal match played by the U.S. Futsal National Team was in May 1984 in Nanaimo, Canada, and the United States won 6-5. The first international Futsal match in the United States was held in December, 1985, at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park, California. The U.S. select team, defeated Australia, 9-5.
U.S. Futsal has conducted a National Championship each year since 1985. Futsal is establishing itself at the youth level in the U.S. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America took a strong interest after the Columbia Park Club in San Francisco asked U.S. Futsal to give a demonstration. The national organization adopted the sport, and it is now played at about 1,100 Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the U.S. The American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) also plays the sport in a close working relationship with U.S. Futsal since 1988.
The U.S. Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and U.S. Futsal signed an agreement in August of 1995 and in 1999, to promote futsal in all their National State Association as their game of choice for indoor soccer under the auspices of U.S. Futsal.
US FUTSAL SOUTHWEST LEADERSHIP
PAUL CALIGIURI
Paul David Caligiuri is a former professional soccer player competing for numerous teams in the United States and Germany, and for the U.S. national team. During his 14 years as a defender and defensive midfielder with the national team, he earned 110 caps and scored five goals including his game-winning goal widely dubbed the "Shot heard round the world," which he scored in a 1–0 World Cup qualifier victory over Trinidad and Tobago on November 19, 1989. The victory qualified the United States for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, its first World Cup berth since 1950.
There, Caligiuri notched the first World Cup goal for the U.S. national team in 40 years. He is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Paul has also contributed through his coaching and mentorship. He has coached college, youth, men and women. Paul was a candidate for the US Soccer Presidency and is also an ambassador for the UPSL.
JON SZCZUKA
Jon Szczuka has been part of the Southern California landscape, and making a national impact, for over 30 years.
He has played an integral role in the development of Irvine Strikers and Pateadores having both organizations reach the top of their industry under his leadership. He also coached Woodbridge HS (Irvine) to multiple State, CIF, and League titles.
Jon has also been a board member of the Southern California Club Coaches Association, Build the Great Park Now, Irvine Sports Committee, and Southern California Developmental Soccer League (SCDSL, now SOCAL) where he was a founding member and technical committee member.
JOE ELSMORE
Hailing from Kearny, NJ, aka Soccertown USA, Joe possesses a passion and deep area of expertise in the field of sports marketing. He was instrumental in builiding the foundation of the Nike Soccer Brand by architecting Nike Soccer's asset portfolio over three decades. He has been a fundamental figure in marketing the sport of soccer to its highest level in North America. Joe's specific leadership in women's soccer brought the US Women's National Team center stage and made him one of the most respected Director's in Nike Soccer's History.
With his inherent relationship skills and partnership mentality he helped Nike establish brand authenticity by connecting Nike with the best soccer athletes. Joe established long term relationships with hundreds of coaches and athletes such as Mia Hamm, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Alex Morgan; soccer organizations include CONCACAF, US Soccer, MLS, NWSL, USL, NCAA and many Elite Youth programs.
Joe possesses a unique combination of industry experience, knowledge of the business environment and navigating complex negotiations to bring significant value to all parties in a partnership. A consummate team player with caring style makes collaborating Joe a win-win proposition.
US Futsal Southwest
U.S. Futsal and Alex Para have partnered with Southwest Futsal Association to provide futsal competitions throughout the Southwest United States. SFA Co-founders Paul Caligiuri and Jon Szczuka will be working with league representatives from Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. all SFA competitions will be aligned within the U.S. Futsal Pyramid and all players will have access to the U.S Futsal Developmental Pathway.
After playing in enclosed areas and learning to think and react quickly, players find when they play to the full game they react well under pressure. Playing in enclosed areas develops creativity; players are also constantly placed in demanding decision making situations in enclosed areas which is a major reason why Futsal is one of the finest teachers of the quick pass and move.
Benefits of Futsal
Because the sport is a great skill developer, demanding quick reflexes, fast thinking and pin point passing, it is an exciting game for children as well as adults.
The game is very economical and safe, simple and fun to play. Just by playing with the ball develops precise ball control and technical skill, agility, lightening reflexes and decision making. As the balls have less bounce they tend to stay in play longer and promote close ball control.
After playing in enclosed areas and learning to think and react quickly, players find when they play to the full game they react well under pressure. Playing in enclosed areas develops creativity; players are also constantly placed in demanding decision making situations in enclosed areas which is a major reason why Futsal is one of the finest teachers of the quick pass and move.
In soccer it is very hard to defend against a team that is adept at this type of play. Playing the beautiful game of soccer is developed through Futsal.
Slide tackles and excessive bodily contact is forbidden in the modified game, which results in fewer injuries. It’s no surprise that the game is popular with children, teenagers and adults of both genders and is growing in popularity internationally.
Futsal quickly develop skills required for soccer: – balance, motor ability, agility and co-ordination, ball mastery, accurate and quick passing and receiving, perception insight and awareness. Children learn through repetition and practice in small areas this occurs naturally. As Futsal is fast and action packed, fitness is improved while learning and having fun. We find children love playing Futsal. It is exciting, many goals are scored and the game is devoid of complex rules such as off side. Children learn so much faster if they enjoy the game and spend a lot of time playing with the ball.
NEXT STEPS: GET IN TOUCH
OR
