Over 80 BYSA grade 3-6 travel players have been learning to play futsal — the official indoor sport of FIFA — since early January. This past Saturday, they had the chance to showcase their progress to family and friends at the first-ever BYSA Futsal Game Day, held at the Ditson School gym.

Five age and gender groups took the court over a four-hour span, braving the cold and snow to put their skills on display. Futsal, a fast-paced indoor version of soccer, is played on a basketball-sized court with a smaller, low-bounce ball that encourages precise passing and close control.

Because of its speed and tight spaces, futsal challenges players to think quickly, move fluidly, and stay constantly engaged. The result is sharper decision-making, improved ball control, and faster play — all skills that carry directly into the outdoor game.

As BYSA Player Development Director Kevin Williams told spectators, “We want our BYSA players to be more than kick-and-chase. Futsal is one tool we can use to help them become more confident and skillful, and that translates to better soccer players on the grass.”

BYSA plans to continue offering futsal each winter to give players and teams a fun, challenging environment to grow their technical and tactical skills.