The FA’s new Futsal strategy (2018 – 2024) aims to make this fast, exciting format of the sport become England’s indoor game of choice for young players and drive participation.

The new strategy was launched recently at St George’s Park ahead of England Futsal’s clash with Croatia. The new document, which is titled ‘Fast Forward with Futsal’, outlines The FA’s plan to develop futsal by setting four ambitious targets to achieve by 2024 within four key strands:

1. Participation – 150,000 futsal players playing regularly across both genders and all ages

2. Workforce – 15,000 FA-qualified Futsal coaches at FA Level 2 and UEFA B

3. Facilities – A defined network of Futsal facilities, covering every County FA

4. International – An England men’s futsal team in the top 20 of the FIFA world rankings & establish an England women’s futsal team

Michael Skubala, The FA’s England Futsal Head Coach and Elite Performance Manager, has proudly declared that “this is a landmark moment for the game. In the future I hope people will look back at 2018 as the year Futsal in England really kicked-off – and kicked-on.”

Skubala went on to explain further detail about the importance of this new strategy. He said: “It’s important that we get Futsal embedded across the game for men, women and juniors at grassroots and elite level. Our main priority is to create an identity for Futsal, so people really understand what it is and what it isn’t, and what part it plays in participation, development and elite opportunities.”

James Reid, Football Development Officer at Cumberland FA, is pleased to support this strategy for Cumberland FA and the benefits the game brings for participation. James added: “This is great news for the game of Futsal. With each of the Youth Leagues across Cumberland already offering Futsal playing opportunities to players throughout the winter months, players across the county have been able to access the indoor format for a number of years. This new strategy will allow us as a County FA to build on our established Futsal programme and engage more players to participate in the game.”