SAN FRANCISCO, CA — January 2026 — U.S. Futsal is celebrating its 45th anniversary in January 2026, marking more than four decades of developing the sport of Futsal across the United States and building a nationwide community of players, coaches, referees, and fans.
Founded in 1981 by Osvaldo Garcia, Clay Berling, and Alexander Para, U.S. Mimisoccer — as it was originally called — was created to introduce and organize a fast-paced indoor version of soccer that had already been shaping some of the world’s greatest players in South America and Europe. Known internationally as Fútbol de Salón or Futebol de Salão, the game emphasizes creativity, quick decision-making, and elite technical skill.
At the time, this sport was virtually unknown in the United States. The Federation changed its name in 1985 to United States Futsal Federation and amended its corporation name in the State of California in 1986.
There were no leagues, no national tournaments, and no formal structure for competition or referee development. The founders set out to change that — translating international rules, training the first Futsal referees in the country, organizing early competitions, and introducing the sport to schools, recreation centers, and communities across the nation.
“What began as a small effort by a handful of people who believed in the sport has grown into a nationwide movement. Over the past 45 years we’ve seen Futsal develop from a little-known game in the United States into an important part of player development and a vibrant competitive community. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how many players and families are now part of that journey.”
— Alexander Para, President of U.S. Futsal
Those early grassroots efforts — and the requirement to serve as a National Governing Body as required by the USOC — led to the creation in 1985 of the first U.S. Futsal National Championships in Reno, Nevada. This tournament helped establish national competition standards and bring together the country’s emerging Futsal community.
Today, the sport continues to expand across the United States. Each year thousands of athletes participate in U.S. Futsal competitions and development programs, with regional and national championships drawing teams from across the country. The momentum has already been visible in 2026, with more than 1,000 teams competing in the U.S. Futsal Northeast and Northwest Regional Championships — the largest combined participation in the organization’s history. The Northeast Regional is the largest single Futsal event under one roof in the world.
“As we celebrate this milestone, what stands out most is the strength of the Futsal community itself. From the founders who built the sport in the U.S. in the early years to the players, coaches, referees, and families who continue to grow the game today — the story of futsal in the United States has always been about people who believe in the sport and the positive role it plays in young athletes’ lives — building skill, teamwork, and a strong sense of community.”
— Jessica Dodson, Fractional Marketing Director for U.S. Futsal
As U.S. Futsal marks its 45th year, the organization continues to focus on its core mission: developing players, supporting education for referees and coaches, organizing safe and competitive events, and building pathways that help American athletes compete on the national and international stage.
About U.S. Futsal
Since 1981, U.S. Futsal has been a Governing Body of Futsal in the United States. At FIFA’s request, it became an official member of U.S. Soccer in 1989. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, U.S. Futsal leads the sport’s growth nationwide — organizing State, Regional and National Championships, developing referees and coaches, and building pathways to international competition. With more than one million players impacted across the country, U.S. Futsal is connecting communities, expanding opportunities, and preparing future U.S. FIFA Futsal World Cup and Olympic teams. Learn more at www.usfutsal.org.
Governing the Sport of Futsal in the U.S. since 1981 • The Way the World Plays Indoor Soccer • Proud member of U.S. Soccer
U.S. Futsal | www.usfutsal.org