Merritt futsal league

The Merritt Futsal League (MFL)  is a one of a kind league in the city of Baltimore, and we are the first to bring it to you under a new venue.  This is a great wayto get fit and become a part of the most popular sport in the world, Futbol!

Futsal is a variant of association football that is mainly played indoors. Its name is derived from the Portuguese futebol de salão and the Spanish fútbol sala/de salón, which can be translated as 'indoor football'. In Madrid 1985 the name fútbol de salón and all other names the game was called were changed officially and internationally into FUTSAL.

Futsal is played between two teams of five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper, and up to seven substitutes per team. Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the game is played on a hard court surface delimited by lines; walls or boards are not used. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regulation football.  The rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces.

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. 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.

Rules/Laws of the Game The rules and laws of the game can be found at Futsal Rules. Some of the rules have been changed and this will be discussed at the start of each session.

Game play begins August 2009. Games will take place Monday evenings at 9:00PM, 10:00PM, and 11:00PM.

All games will be held at Merritt's Downtown Athletic Club, 210 E. Centre Street.

For registration and information, please contact:
E-mail: soccer@merrittclubs.com