Futsal
Futsal (also known as fútsal or footsal) is a variant of association football played on a hard court, smaller than a football pitch, and mainly indoors. It features similarities to five-a-side football. Futsal is inclusive to all genders and levels of experience, and we welcome enquiries from those with a disability regarding the accessibility of Futsal.
Futsal makes up part of the Association Football Club. The club has 2 Futsal teams for men and women who compete in the BUCS leagues. Its one of the newest sports at Oxford and gives players the opportunity to play on the glass floor in the Acer Nethercott Hall at Iffley Sports Centre. With matches mainly happening on the weekend, its a perfect sport to get involved in that fits around the busy Oxford schedule.
Men’s Futsal 2025/26
The Oxford University Men’s First Team competes in the 3B tier of university futsal, representing Oxford University in league competitions throughout the season. Training sessions focus on developing technical skills, tactical awareness, and team coordination, with an emphasis on the fast-paced style unique to futsal.
We pride ourselves on our resilience and determination, with the highlight of our 24/25 season being an inspiring second-half 5-goal comeback against division winners Lincoln.
Picture Above: Men’s 1s Futsal Team 2024/25
Players will benefit from regular competitive matches, structured coaching, and a committed squad environment. We welcome all students whether they have strong football or futsal backgrounds or are totally new to the sport. Training sessions will be on Wednesday mornings throughout the academic year from 7:30AM to 9:00AM and will help players develop to be able to compete at a high standard.
If this appeals to you, then please email taiga.kawadawilliams@stcatz.ox.ac.uk to express your interest.
Women’s Futsal 2024/25
Futsal is a sport for everyone.
Ask anyone who has played futsal, and you will hear the following, ‘It’s fast-paced, skilful, challenging, has lots of shots and opportunities to be creative.’
Oxford University women’s team plays in the Midlands Tier 2 BUCS futsal league and cup competitions, both of which are the biggest in the country. Whilst we want to be competitive, it is equally important that we offer a positive, friendly, and inclusive environment and culture.
What is futsal? It is 5-a-side with unlimited substitutions (there is a lot of running!). We are an indoor sport, so no rain or snow to stop us getting on court. The ball bounces lower encouraging more dribbling and passing plus we play on a court to lines not off the walls.
Goalkeepers are hugely important in futsal and arguably, the most important member of the team.
With the formation of a newly formed England women’s team preparing for a World Cup campaign, plus a thriving domestic league (with several alumni playing), there has never been a better time to get involved.
Luis Melville will be the coach for the women’s team this season, with 20 years of futsal experience and coached the last six seasons at St Mary’s University helping the to secure a BUCS Premier South Women’s league title.
Last season, Oxford’s women experienced great progress in the cup and a good end to the league programme and look forward to welcoming new players this season to help develop and improve the sport at the university.
Regardless of whether you have played futsal or not, it is worth coming down to try and see what the sport can offer you.
Women’s training is at the state-of-the-art Acer Nethercott Hall at Iffley Road Sports Centre on Thursday’s 5-7pm with two league match days, on Saturday’s, at the University of Nottingham in November and February 2025 with the Cup competition starting in the new year.
There is also a Cuppers Futsal competition in the final semester to get involved in with.
So, what are you waiting for. Get involved in futsal with Oxford University
If you are interested in playing for us, or have any queries please email Coach Luis Melville at lmelville@outlook.com
