Futsal, a soccer-based game adapted for indoor play, is played with a smaller, harder ball that weighs three pounds. The games take place in a small gym or larger sized gym depending on the team and skill level.
Liga Northeast (League Northeast) began in 2005. Husband and wife Jose and Bertha Arias got the idea after a tournament at San Cirilo (St. Cyril) Church in Northeast.
“This league began when we realized that we needed an independent soccer league in Northeast Minneapolis,” said co-director and organizer Bertha Arias. “We started with 12 teams made up of 66 men and 35 women. Now we’ve got over 1,000 players all-together, and we even have two teams that come all the way in from Wisconsin to play.
“This league started with only Ecuadorians and those of Ecuadorian descent playing, but now it’s expanded and players from any background play in this league – it’s more international,” she said.
Beginning and experienced players are welcome. Most of the games are played on Sundays at Edison High School or Northeast Middle School.
Futsal games have five players on each team, including the goalie. The smaller court size and smaller ball make for a higher likelihood of a faster-paced and higher-scoring game compared to outdoor soccer on a full field.
One of the differences from full-scale soccer to futsal is that goalies must pass the ball within four seconds of possession, and certain kick-ins from out of bounds must be touched by another player before entering the goal to officially score.
Futsal started and was developed in Uruguay in the early 1930s as a way to play soccer recreationally on basketball courts. The game spread through South America, primarily through YMCAs, and gained popularity as it could be played indoors and in the off season for players to stay in shape.
Below: Atlético San Miguel (pink jerseys) and Peñarol (blue jerseys) played to a 2-2 tie on Sunday, January 23 at Edison High School’s gym. (Photos by Nik Linde)
