Futsal Society
Futsal is a fast-paced soccer game played on a hardcourt surface with a ball that’s smaller, harder, and less bouncy than a regular soccer ball. It favors ball control and passing in small spaces with improvisation and creativity.
Futsal Society started in 2016 at Whittier Recreation Center. Futsal Society founder Caleb Crossley was working at Anwatin Middle School when he invited some students to play in his weekly neighborhood adult pickup game at Whittier Park.
“More and more kids kept coming, so it changed from playing as adults to offering youth programming,” he said. “We view futsal as accessible soccer. You need less players, less space, and don’t need to travel to an expensive dome to play.”
Futsal Society grew quickly, and now offers free training, leagues and pick-up play for hundreds of Minneapolis youth at Whittier, Elliott and Peavey Parks, and DeLaSalle High School this summer. Next summer Minneapolis’ first-ever public futsal courts are scheduled to be built at Clinton Field Park.
Mohamud Ibrahim got involved after following @futsalsociety on Instagram. He’s proud his team won the Elliot Park championship last summer. “I’ve met a ton of good people and had a ton of good times playing Futsal,” he said.
Farhan Mohamed agreed, saying he’s met really good people and enjoys the “really good vibes” the program brings to the park. “I appreciate having time on the field to play for free, it’s awesome,” he added.
Suhayb Mohamed started coming to summer training, then switched to playing indoors in winter. Last year his team won the indoor championship. “It’s really helpful to have somewhere to go during winter. We can chill, have some fun and play games even when weather is bad,” he said.
“Whittier Park really feels like home. It’s a safe, inviting, loving place for people to come play,” added Crossley.
Futsal opportunities continue to grow in Minneapolis. To learn more about Futsal Society, go to futsalsociety.org.
