FUTSAL PROGRAM
A comprehensive futsal experience designed to develop technical excellence, tactical awareness, confidence, and creativity through the fast-paced game of futsal.
Why Futsal?
Played 5v5 in tight spaces, futsal accelerates development and builds skills that translate directly to the 11-a-side game.
Players face critical game moments more frequently, improving composure and execution in tight spaces with increased pressure.
Futsal players build game intelligence by learning to read the game faster, adapting to quickly changing situations — quicker and more frequent transitions to attacking and defending.
Futsal stresses the importance of great teamwork by placing players in an environment of greater accountability and responsibility. The 5v5 format demands active participation, clear communication, and increased responsibilities in critical moments.
Futsal challenges players to control, pass, and shoot with both feet, and exposes players to multiple positions and roles within a single game — increasing comfort across the field.
“Young players exposed to Futsal show a greater comfort on the ball along with more intelligent movement off the ball.”
Sam Snow · Coaching Director, US Youth Soccer
Participation is OPT-IN. The Futsal Program runs roughly 10 weeks between December and February(accounting for holidays). Interested travel teams register once per team — any team representative (coach or coordinator) can complete the form. A 10-player minimum is required to participate. The Futsal Program is run by Grady Renfrow.
Futsal (5v5, indoor) sharpens technical skill and game intelligence throughout the winter months, keeping players sharp and engaged. The club will work to deconflict additional futsal sessions and competitions with other winter commitments, such as outdoor team training.
Vision
The vision of Arlington's Futsal Program is to inspire and empower players through the game of futsal. The Futsal Program will continually strive to provide the best developmental environment for futsal and soccer players in our community. Arlington's Futsal Program aims to help young athletes reach their full potential by nurturing technical excellence, promoting character building through teamwork and sportsmanship, as well as fostering a diverse and welcoming environment. The Futsal Program aspires to create a lasting impact by instilling a culture of dedication, respect, and resilience for players who want to thrive at the highest levels of the game.
Mission
Arlington's Futsal Program provides a unique learning environment for serious and committed players who have a desire to learn the game of futsal while leveraging futsal to improve their outdoor soccer skills and match impact. The competitive futsal programming encourages players to stretch beyond their comfort zone and challenges players to compete with pace, technical precision, tactical awareness, and confidence.
Age Group Notes
The Futsal Program is open to all Arlington travel teams in the U9–U19 age groups (Players Born 2018–2008/2009).
The Futsal Program scope is separate from year-round travel. No change to what's already included:
- Futsal league competition (First Touch Futsal) — already included
- 1 outdoor team training session during the winter season — already included
All U13–U19 teams will compete in a winter futsal league as part of the Futsal Program. Specific league game details (times, locations) are TBD.
Futsal Program Offerings
| Age Range | Futsal League | Additional Futsal Training | Futsal Tournaments |
|---|---|---|---|
| U9–U12 | Not included in Futsal Program scope — a winter futsal league is already programmed through year-round travel. | 1 session/week, 10 weeks (Dec.–Feb.) | 1 event per season. Additional events billed separately. |
| U13–U19 | Included in the Futsal Program scope. | 1 session/week, 10 weeks (Dec.–Feb.) | 1 event per season. Additional events billed separately. |
Futsal tournaments are optional and in addition to weekly futsal-specific training. Tournaments can range from local, state, to regional and vary in level of competition — the Futsal Staff can help identify tournaments suitable for a team's skill level and appetite for competition. Associated tournament fees (team registration, coaching, etc.) will be added at a future date on a per-tournament basis.
Individual Players: Arlington Soccer will continue to offer additional futsal-specific training for individual players during the winter season (December–February). More details on individual offerings to come.