Update: Laguna Niguel Football Assn. to Host Futsal Tournament in May

(Update on May 11, 2011: Because of a lack of interest, the Futsal tournament has been cancelled. Organizers say they will try again toward the end of summer.)

The Laguna Niguel Football Assn. will hold a Futsal soccer tournament the weekend of May 13-15 at the Saddleback Valley YMCA in Mission Viejo. 

A Cal South-sanctioned event, the tournament is open to any and all men’s teams.  The $350 registration fee includes referee fees as well as limited child-care.  Each of the 16 teams will be guaranteed three matches, with the teams reaching the finals playing five. There will be a $500 cash prize for the winning team.

Futsal games feature five players on a side, including one goalkeeper, and include unlimited substitution on a hard-surface playing field that is similar in dimensions to that of a hockey rink. Unlike indoor soccer games, no walls or boards are used. Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a traditional soccer ball.

Check out the video for a quick look at the rules of the fast-paced game.

The tournament's games, beginning Friday at 7 p.m., will be played in the YMCA's soccer arena, which is still under construction but expected to be unveiled for the competition.

For more information, contact the Laguna Niguel Football Assn. at lagunaniguelfa.com.