Futsal For All: AIFF Launches Campaign To Popularise The Sport Across India

AIFF’s 'Futsal for All' aims to increase inclusiveness by arranging matches and activities for children, young adults, older citizens, and people with disabilities.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) is attempting to strengthen the futsal roots by actively organising initiatives to attract more individuals.

Source : AIFF

New Delhi: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently organised a 'Futsal for All' initiative, which saw fun events, small-sided games, and workshops aimed at increasing participation and understanding of the sport across the nation.

Recognised by FIFA, futsal is a small-sided indoor football played between two sides with each having five players on the ground at any one time. There are rolling substitutes, and the ball is smaller than a football that is less bouncy and harder. It is already a professional sport with national and international championships being held across the globe. The name comes from the Spanish 'fútbol sala', which translates to "indoor football”.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the AIFF said as many as 3,415 players from various Indian states, as well as 314 volunteers, took part in the initiative and had the chance to compete in 5v5 games and participate in other futsal-related games.

The 'Futsal for All' programme aims to increase inclusiveness by arranging matches and activities for children, young adults, older citizens, and people with disabilities.

According to a post on the AIFF portal, attendees who registered for the event received tempting prizes such as futsal balls, personalised futsal jerseys, branding items, and certificates of appreciation, which were also awarded to volunteers, organisers, and different stakeholders.

Futsal Features In AIFF's Golden Baby League Programme

The AIFF is attempting to strengthen the futsal roots by actively organising initiatives to attract more individuals to acquire a passion for the sport.

These initiatives include presenting the AFC Futsal Coach Education courses, organising online and offline seminars for futsal referees, and initiating a senior men's Futsal Club Championship. Futsal has also been featured in the AIFF's Golden Baby League programme, which is a player development project for youngsters aged 6 to 12.

AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey said: “Futsal is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and we want to step up our efforts to spread its popularity rapidly in India in the near future. We look forward to continued support from FIFA, the AFC, and SAFF for the development of the game."

Dr Shaji Prabhakaran, general secretary of the AIFF, added: “We are very pleased to share the success story of Futsal for All. We are serious about developing futsal in India and will soon announce our plans to grow the futsal landscape in our country.”