Fast-growing futsal gives kids their kicks during winter shutdown

More than 300 kids from over 36 teams are playing the growing game of futsal at four venues across Lanarkshire every Sunday.

The brain-child of SFA ‘C’ licence coach Mark Hamilton, the Foot2Ball Futsal League came about because he was fed up with children being unable to play football during the winter months.

Games are played at the Sir Matt Busby sports complex in Bellshill, St Andrew’s High School in Coatbridge, and Airdrie’s Caldervale and Airdrie Academy High Schools, from 9am until 4pm every Sunday.

Futsal is a five-a-side game played indoors with a heavier ball and additional rules, and Mark believes it will become a huge facet of grassroots football.

Mark, from Coatbridge, said: “Every winter the kids’ football shuts down and they don’t play for months, so four years ago I decided to run a futsal league.

“Every Sunday we have over 36 teams and 300 kids playing the game of futsal over four venues, which keeps them active, and gives them a chance to experience a new game format. Futsal is becoming a growing sport and I feel it will become a big part of grassroots football going forward in coming seasons.

“I think it’s going to be a massive part of the Scottish game, with winters getting worse, and there’s a big drive on it.

“The Scottish FA started to do a big thing on it, then it fell away during Covid.

“I enjoy it, and it’s good for the kids. It’s indoors with a ball that doesn’t bounce.

“It’s faster, the kids get a lot more touches on the ball and it’s played at a higher pace, so there is a lot more decision-making to be made. The kids love it and the coaches as well.

“I had 40 teams and a few pulled out, but I’m still sitting with 36 teams and over 360 kids every Sunday.

“It’s quite good, because a lot of