Futsal is an exciting, fast-paced small sided soccer game.  It is a 5 v 5 small-sided game played indoors on a hard surfaced, basketball sized court with a smaller, low bounce ball.  Futsal is played with touchline boundaries and without walls.

US Soccer Learning Center

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Brief Facts About Futsal

Futsal is a fast-paced, 5-on-5 version of soccer played on a hard court, usually indoors, with a smaller, low-bounce ball that emphasizes technical skill, quick thinking, and creativity. It’s officially recognized by FIFA and is popular worldwide as a development tool for soccer players, with many professionals crediting their skill to the game.

Key differences from soccer include a smaller playing area, rolling substitutions, kick-ins instead of throw-ins, and a heavier ball that encourages close ball control and
accurate passing.

Want to learn more?

Email futsal@nhreferee.org for more information!

Whistle Talk:

Inside the Mind of a Referee

Kendra Santoro of New Hampshire chats with FIFA Futsal Referee Matt Rodman to explore how outdoor soccer referees can elevate their skills and broaden their experience by stepping into the world of futsal.

A separate U.S. Soccer Referee license is required to be a Futsal Referee.

REQUIREMENTS

Futsal Referee

New Futsal Referee

  • Cost includes US Soccer registration fee, NH registration fee and course fee
  • Online Modules through US Soccer Learning Center
  • Futsal Certification Quiz
  • In-Person Practical Training Session
  • SafeSport (online assignment; or those turning 18 during registration year and older)
  • Safe and Healthy Playing Environments Training
  • Background Screening ($30; for those aged 18 and older) – this must completed every two years and may take up to two weeks to complete and you will not be able to attend any in-person activities until it is completed – please plan ahead!
  • Must complete additional NH SRC Modules supplied on the US Soccer Grassroots Futsal Referee course information page

Recertifying Futsal Referee

  • Cost includes US Soccer registration fee and NH registration fee
  • Online ONLY through US Soccer Learning Center
  • Futsal Recertification Quiz
  • SafeSport (online assignment; for those turning 18 during registration year and older)
  • Safe and Healthy Playing Environments Training
  • Background Screening ($30; for those aged 18 and older) – this must completed every two years and may take up to two weeks to complete and you will not be able to sign up for a course until it is completed – please plan ahead

Futsal Referee Courses

New and recertifying referee courses are limited and typically only held in November and December. See all Upcoming Classes

november 2025

fri21nov6:00 pm9:00 pmFirst Time Futsal Referee Certification - 11.21.2025Derry6:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST Gilbert H. Hood Middle School, 5 Hood Road

march 2026

wed11mar7:30 pm9:00 pmFutsal CELL WebinarU.S. Soccer CELL Webinar Series7:30 pm - 9:00 pm EST Zoom Webinar

Northeast Regional

Futsal Academy

2025 USYF Northeast Regional Futsal Championships

More information about the 2026 Northeast Regional Futsal Academy coming soon!

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