NorCal Futsal Programming To Return For Fourth Year

As the NorCal Premier Soccer outdoor season continues to get underway this fall season, it’s never too early to begin thinking about NorCal’s winter futsal programming, which will enter its fourth year when events kick off this December.

Ever since NorCal established the first-ever Futsal State Cup in February of 2022, the organization has continued to work to expand its reach to deliver more opportunities for the local clientele to participate in the fast-paced, five-on-five version of the beautiful game that we all know and love.

“Because futsal is played in tight confines with fewer players while using a heavier ball, it’s the perfect sport to help youth players improve their technique and decision making skills during the months when not everyone can play outside due to harsh winter conditions,” said NorCal Futsal Coordinator Kelcey Chaidez. “In dozens of other countries throughout the world, futsal is seen as paramount in youth development, which is why NorCal is looking to grow the sport locally by offering more events every year.”

The showcase futsal event for NorCal remains the State Cup, which will take place on Presidents’ Day Weekend (February 14-16) at the Cal Expo Fairgrounds in Sacramento.

Last year, a record number of teams participated in the competition, with nearly 200 total entering from the U9-U15 age groups.

This year, NorCal will offer competition in the U9-U19 age groups and all applications for the event can be accessed here.

Additionally, NorCal, alongside the help from various clubs in its organization, will host Futsal Playdates on four different weekends, with potentially up to three events across the state on said weekends.

During these Playdates, which are similar to the outdoor Playdates that NorCal has been successfully running for decades, each team will face off against a similarly-skilled opponent for multiple games in the same day in a jamboree style event.

The Playdates are scheduled for December 13-14, January 10-11, January 17-18, and January 31-February 1. Location details will be announced at a later date.

“We want to continue building out our futsal programming with the idea of eventually moving to a calendar in which most, if not all, of our youth teams participate in the sport,” said NorCal Director of Competitions Daniel Chamberlain. “We’ve already grown a tremendous amount since our first event in 2022 and hope to stay on this trend in order to best serve our membership.”

For more futsal information, including how to apply to host potential future Futsal Playdates, click here.