6
T
he debate of indoor soccer versus futsal is not
a new one. Long-time readers may recall when
USIndoor Soccer covered it in almost every issue back
in the organization's infancy.
Still today, competition between the games'
staunchest advocates continues, and the debate
carries with it a number of objective markers. But
whether one is truly "better" than the other often boils
down to personal taste, familiarity and local market
factors. Then, of course, for soccer facility operators,
there are a string of business decisions tied to the
choice.
While this article is not intended to conclude what is
the "true" form of indoor soccer or best for business,
it is to highlight some of the benefits of each and our
operators' experiences with them.
ARENA SOCCER
& FUTSAL:
COEXISTENCE
Arena/Indoor Soccer -
Jan Eric Nordmo (Off the Wall Soccer, CA)
Jan has been operating Off the Wall Soccer for more
than 25 years. A U.S. Soccer-licensed coach for more
than 20 years, Jan's facility is a home for arena soccer.
"I'm not saying it because I have a financial interest in
it," he says. "I started playing arena soccer, and I loved
it when I was a kid. I've played futsal, and I loved that
too.
"The way I see it is that to some degree both would
have their benefits; both have their drawbacks," he says.
"Neither should be seen as opposed to the other, except
where it's just popular that way, and that's what the
business is offering."
By Michael Horn
