The Recreation Department runs the area’s futsal league at the moment, according to Jesse Nyberg, a recreation supervisor with the department. Initiated in 2009, games of the variant of indoor soccer have been run at the Santo Community Center’s gym. While a multi-use venue, such as the gym, is adequate for the sport, it is not ideal.
Nyberg, quoted in a Mail Tribune story dated July 7, explained:
"It will be a definite attraction to have a court that's actually perfectly lined for futsal.”
The differences between futsal and soccer have to do with the players, field, and ball. Unlike outdoor soccer, futsal takes place on a court, the ball is smaller and heavier, and only five players feature in a team. Fewer players means everyone gets more time on the ball.
The Hawthorn Park hard courts, lined in accordance game requirements, will be outdoors because futsal, though usually played inside, does not require walls. Initial plans, however, call for nets to be installed to keep the ball in the playing area.
Hawthorne Park will close in September for renovations, which are expected to be completed in the spring of 2015. This gives plenty of time for the flyer printing to be completed announcing the new recreation opportunities available at the park, including outdoor futsal.