FUTSAL STREET SOCCER CUP

Futsal is a fast-paced style of soccer that demands the best from players and teams. It is high-energy and competitive soccer at its finest. The game was invented in Montevideo, Uruguay back in 1930 to provide the World Cup winning Uruguayans a way to get even better and more creative on the ball. The word Futsal comes from shortening the Spanish phrase, “Futbal de Salon” which literally translates to indoor soccer. This is no ordinary soccer tournament.

About Futsal

Street soccer is played under Futsal regulated rules and is a 5-on-5 match. Each team may have up to ten players, with five on the court, one of whom is the goalkeeper. The court is delineated by lines without the use of sidewall and is about the size of a basketball court. It is played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a soccer ball. The heavier, smaller ball requires the use of more foot skills with an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique. Space is at a premium so players develop tight ball control, lightening reflexes and pinpoint passing skills to retain the ball under pressure from defenders.

Games last 25 minutes and the match is controlled by a referee who enforces the Laws of the Game. The decisions made by the referee are final.

The exhibition tournament takes place Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 from 10 am to 5 pm on Main Street and Second Avenue. Boys and girls teams come from local soccer clubs and Hillsboro Fustal and range in age from 9 through 14. Adult teams have been added to this year’s roster.

The 2009 Hillsboro Street Soccer Cup will be exciting and fast paced. Winning teams will receive a medal and trophies will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place. Whether you are a player, fan, coach, or you just enjoy watching some hard fought competition, you won’t want to miss this tournament.

Registration is open to the public and costs $120 for a team of ten. Deadline to register is Thursday, August 6. A registration form and waiver must be completed and turned in at the Hillsboro Chamber or at Hillsboro Futsal.  For more information about the Futsal tournament, contact Jaime Miranda at 503-481-6007.