Glen Ellyn Park District offers new Futsal Soccer League for boys and girls

An interesting new sport is now offered through the Glen Ellyn Park District: Futsal soccer. According to Brad Thomas, recreation supervisor for the park district, the Futsal name comes from the Spanish term "Futbol Sala", which translates to "Indoor Football", or in the U.S., "Indoor Soccer".

The Glen Ellyn Park District's Futsal Soccer League is geared towards U8-U16 boys and girls. It will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 10 through Feb. 28, at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 535 Duane Street in Glen Ellyn.

"This game is a variant of soccer, and is played indoors on a hard court that is much smaller than the typical soccer field," said Thomas. "Games are played with five on each team, and substitutions are unlimited. There are no walls or boards used during play."

This is the first year the Glen Ellyn Park District is offering this unique sport, which has become popular over the past few years. "Kids interested in regular soccer will like Futsal soccer, too," added Thomas. "The playing surface, the smaller, weighted ball, and the rules create a need for an emphasis on creativity, in addition to a focus on developing ball control and learning to pass in a confined space." Futsal soccer is also a great way for traditional soccer players to maintain and improve their skills indoors during the winter months, when weather usually prohibits outdoor play.

To register for the Glen Ellyn Park District's Futsal Soccer League, visit www.gepark.org.