Futsal Academy

Artisan Social is launching its Futsal Academy for players from the U8-U12 age groups.

Unlike other clubs that use scaled-down versions of traditional soccer (7v7 or 9v9) in these age groups, Artisan Social will focus exclusively on two, small game formats: streetbol and futsal.

We believe this approach is more fun and a far more superior way to dsevelop young soccer players.

Streetbol

Streetbol is a formal version of “street soccer”.

  • Games are played 4 v 4, without goalkeepers.

  • Goals are small, measuring only 150 × 50 centimeters.

  • Courts range in size from 10 × 15 meters to 15 × 24 meters.

Futsal

Futsal is an internationally recognized game that is popular throughout the world, especially in South America, where it originated.

  • Teams are 5v5, including a goalkeeper.

  • Goals measure 3 × 2 meters.

  • Courts range in size from 15 × 24 meters and larger.

Why Streetbol and Futsal

Street soccer is an informal game played in small spaces, typically no larger than your common neighborhood street.

Nearly all of the world's greatest players developed their skills through street soccer or a game such as futsal. This is why Artisan Social players aged 6–12 focus exclusively on two formal versions that capture its essence: streetbol and futsal.

In our culture, where impromptu street soccer games are rare, these structured alternatives—streetbol and futsal—provide the essential foundation for soccer excellence.

Between U8 and U11, we'll host our own streetbol competitions and participate in futsal tournaments organized by other groups.

Here's our planned schedule for introducing new age groups:

  • 2017: Spring 2025 (b. Aug 1, 2016 – Dec 31, 2017)

  • 2018: Summer/Fall 2025 (b. Aug 1, 2017 – Dec 31, 2018)

  • 2019: Spring 2026 (b. Aug 1, 2018 – Dec 31, 2019)

Training at Storm Sports Academy

Academy training sessions will be held indoors at Storm Sports Academy in West Hempstead.

Academy Approach: Streetbol and Futsal

Unlike other clubs that use scaled-down versions of traditional soccer (7v7 or 9v9), our players ages 6-11 will focus on streetbol and futsal

  • Street soccer is an informal game played in small spaces, typically no larger than your common neighborhood street.

    Nearly all of the world's greatest players developed their skills through street soccer. This is why Artisan Social players aged 6–12 focus exclusively on two formal versions that capture its essence: streetbol and futsal.

    In our culture, where impromptu street soccer games are rare, these structured alternatives—streetbol and futsal—provide the essential foundation for soccer excellence.

  • Streetbol and futsal are formal versions of "street soccer." Many of the world's best players focused almost exclusively on these small-sided games in their youth. We recognize their immense developmental value and believe young players benefit most from this focused approach.

    On smaller courts with fewer players, each athlete gets more touches on the ball and stays constantly involved in both offense and defense. The games' simplicity and fluid positioning teach players to maximize limited space effectively. The fast-paced nature of streetbol and futsal develops quick thinking and decision-making skills, helping players master soccer's fundamentals and become independent thinkers on the field.

    While many clubs treat streetbol and futsal as mere supplements to "real soccer"—rushing players toward the full-sized game—we take a different view. We see these formats as the essential foundation for developing well-rounded soccer players.

    Best of all, streetbol and futsal are thrilling to both watch and play, making the learning process more enjoyable for young athletes.

  • Children may participate in both Artisan Social and another club through the U10 age group—though other clubs may not permit this dual participation.

    Starting at U11, players must commit exclusively to Artisan Social to continue in the Academy.

  • US Soccer organizes age groups by calendar year (January 1–December 31). This policy often separates children born late in the year from their friends and classmates born in the following year—something we believe should be more flexible.

    To address this, the Streetbol Academy allows players born late in the year to play with their grade-level peers. For instance, children born between August 1 and December 31, 2016, can join the 2017 age group.

    For 11v11 soccer, which begins at Artisan Social in the spring of a player's U12 year, players must compete with their birth-year group to comply with USSF guidelines.

    Players can continue playing streetbol and futsal with their friends, regardless of age group.

  • We strongly recommend that girls play with boys as long as they wish to and are able, particularly in games like streetbol and futsal at younger age groups.

    We recognize, however, that some girls prefer to play exclusively with and against other girls, so we will create girls-only teams for them.

  • We have chosen to train indoors at Storm Sports Academy rather than outdoors for these key reasons:

    1. A consistent, high-quality playing surface is essential for effective skill development. The indoor courts at Storm Sports Academy provide this ideal environment, while outdoor grass fields can often hinder player development.

    2. Since streetbol and futsal are played in confined spaces, we don't need extensive outdoor areas. In fact, the limited space helps develop better technical skills—which is one of the main reasons we focus on these formats.

    3. Indoor facilities protect us from weather disruptions, ensuring that training sessions run reliably year-round with optimal playing conditions.

  • We organize streetbol competitions in three formats:

    1. Player-created teams with friends

    2. Pickup games with randomly assigned teams for 8-minute matches

    3. Organized matches against other local clubs

    For futsal, we participate in local competitions organized by other groups.