Indoor Soccer Sport

A sport that is growing quickly throughout the world

Indoor Soccer is almost always played on artificial turf. As a leading supplier of artificial turf surfaces around the world with its Xtreme Turf and ACTurf products, ACT Global Sports is very interested about the sport of indoor soccer.

Indoor soccer often includes five or six players on each team and is a much faster sport than outdoor soccer. “Besides the number of players, the biggest difference between outdoor and indoor soccer is the size of the field. Indoor fields range from turf to hard-packed dirt to a gym floor, and in each place the ball will bounce differently. The field size differs according to location, but typically a field will be about the size of a basketball court. The four sides of the field are lined with walls, and players may kick and play the ball off of the wall if they choose. The goals themselves are much smaller then in the outdoor game, and are built into the wall itself. The game is fast-paced and aggressive and requires smooth footwork and an accurate shot.“ – source: ussoccerplayers.

“In all, indoor soccer is a wonderful complement to outdoor soccer in that players have a chance to improve their speed and shooting accuracy. Many players really enjoy indoor, especially having the opportunity to kick the ball off of the walls and be more involved with all aspects of play. Hold a few practice sessions before the season begins; it is also a good idea to visit the venue where you will be playing that season and watch another team play to learn more about the playing area and how the ball bounces on that surface.” – source: ussoccerplayers

Oustide the United States, indoor soccer involves a FIFA sanctioned game called futsal. In Mexico, futbol rapido is also very popular.

Rules vary between governing bodies, but some of the nearly universal rule deviations from association football include:

Most indoor soccer arenas are rectangular or oblong in shape, with turf floors. Walls at least six feet tall bound the indoor soccer arena. Ceiling heights of indoor soccer fields may vary. Indoor soccer arena sizes are generally smaller than soccer fields, and the indoor soccer goals are recessed into the walls. Goals are also smaller than in standard soccer and generally the goalie box is smaller.

As mentioned before, most indoor soccer games are played with six active players per team, one of which is the goalkeeper. Substitute players are permitted. The ball in indoor soccer may be struck in such a way that it contacts one or more walls without penalty or stoppage to the indoor soccer match. If the ball flies over the walls or contacts the ceiling, play is stopped and the team that did not most recently touch the ball is awarded a free kick at the location where the ball left the indoor soccer arena or contacted the ceiling.

Standard contact rules generally apply in indoor soccer (i.e. contact must be made during a play on the ball, no charging with hands or elbows, no charging from behind, etc). However, there is a culture surrounding indoor soccer that sees it as a "tougher" version of the sport, and many referees take a relaxed attitude toward fouls related to contact in indoor soccer. Many indoor soccer leagues ban the use of the slide tackle Most indoor soccer leagues play without an offside rule.

ACT Global Sports has experience with leading artificial turf surfaces for indoor soccer. Our indoor soccer turf is available with the same specifications as our soccer turf that has pass international lab testing. We also provide indoor soccer turf that has no infill options. The no infill indoor soccer products typically will utilize a shock pad to provide comfort to the indoor soccer player.

Sources: The above indoor soccer information was prepared by an independent consultant engaged by ACT Global Sports Inc. ACT Global Sports disclaims any representations concerning the sources, accuracy or completeness of the above information.