Futsal is widely regarded as being extremely effective in emphasizing technical skills and encouraging smart, quick play. Play is fast and fun, and Futsal is a great way to continue your child’s soccer education, keep them moving during the Winter, while fostering a fun competitive environment.
DC Soccer Club Futsal league play starts in early January and runs for 8 weeks. Futsal is scheduled for Saturday mornings and afternoons, and some teams may have Friday evening games. Saturday game dates are Jan 7, 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 25, March 4, 11.
Team rosters are no larger than 10 players (8 players max for teams for Kindergarteners & 1st graders). All teams play on full-sized futsal courts. Coaches, bring your existing Fall teams, or combine players from different teams if needed! Spaces are limited, so sign up early to ensure your team will be able to play.
Please read through the Futsal FAQs below to gain helpful information!
Coed and Girls divisions are organized based on player registrations.
Check our Futsal Game Rules here.
Q: What is Futsal? How does it differ from soccer?
A: Futsal is a technically-focused form of soccer played on hard courts. This document offers a "crash course" in Futsal rules and shows the primary differences.
Q: Is Futsal only for Rec players?
A: Futsal is for any player who wishes to participate. Rec players, Travel players, whatever…bring them on!
Q: What does Futsal cost?
A: Futsal registration is done on a per player basis, like DC Soccer Club's Rec Program. Each player signs up and pays the fee. The standard fee is $145 ($130 for players in Kindergarten & 1st grade). Players signing up late (after November 4) will pay $20 more. Financial Aid is also available.
Q: What does the program offer?
A: With Futsal you get an 8-week game season, starting in early January and running through mid-March.
Q: Are Futsal teams coached by volunteer parents?
A: Yes! This is a great opportunity for volunteer coaches to learn more about Futsal.
Q: Is there a Girls division for this program?
A: Yes, numbers-permitting, we hope to have separate Girls divisions.
Q: I have a child who would like to take part in Futsal, but is not part of any soccer team right now. Can my child still join in?
A: Absolutely! We welcome new players to Futsal! Prior DC Soccer Club participation is not required.
Q: What is the proper roster size for a team? Could we form a team if we have a number of players who all want to play together?
A: For teams with players in grades 2 and up, teams will play 5 v 5 (4 on the field + a GK), so the maximum roster size is 10. For teams of players in Kindergarten and 1st grade, teams will play 4 v 4 (4 on the field and no GK), so the max roster size is 8. If you know of a collection of kids who want to play together, wonderful! Have them register and reference the same coach or team name.
Q: Will there be court time available for practices?
A: No formal practice times are available. Coaches are welcome to conduct practices in other locations based on their own schedules and availability. Futsal can be practiced anywhere, really! We will be making turf fields available for Futsal teams seeking to run practices.
Q: What are the time slots for Futsal games? When does play begin?
A: Saturdays 9am-6pm, with some older age group games possibly taking place on Friday nights. Games will start during the second weekend in January.
Q: Are there any games over the MLK holiday weekend and the Presidents Day holiday weekend?
A: There are no games on either of those weekends.
Q: Is there any control over game times?
A: You may certainly request specific times. At this point we cannot guarantee that we will be able to honor all such requests – it depends largely on how many teams enter for each age group.
Q: Will uniforms be distributed? What should the team wear?
A: No uniforms will be provided for Futsal. Teams should wear shirts that all match, of their own choosing. If they have regular Rec uniforms, that is fine. If they want to create a new uniform using new shirts of some sort, that’s ok. The key is that all of the player’s shirts should be the same color.
Goalkeepers must wear a different color shirt or use a pinnie that is a different color.
Q: Should players bring a soccer ball? Will they be playing with soccer balls? Do they need to buy a futsal ball?
A: DC Soccer Club will provide game balls on game days. The refs will have futsal balls for use in games. No one needs to buy a futsal ball unless they wish to practice outside of the scope of the existing program. Of course, we encourage practicing!
Futsal balls are size 4 balls that are slightly heavier and have less bounce. This is to encourage players to keep the ball on the ground and it helps players focus on technical skills during games.
Q: Will the game schedule be available online?
A: We expect to have it available online by the end of December at the latest, prior to the start of the games.