This year's Soccer Nation Expo pointed out the growth and variation that Soccer is experiencing.  Along with the traditional 11 side and small sided games, we now have futsal/sala, indoor variants, beach soccer and soccer tennis.

Futsal is a a variation of indoor soccer that is played on a pitch of at least 75 x 45.  The ball is smaller and softer to reduce bouncing.  Each team plays a 5 side (4+keeper).  Other than footwear, the kit is the same.  Futsal is a fast game that develops creativity and outstanding ball control.  Many of the Brazilian players that are so fun to watch, like Ronaldino and Kaka grew up on futsal.  One interesting modification are restarts.  If the ball goes out of bounds, it is kicked in instead of thrown.  A 5 yard cushion is given for all direct and indirect kicks.

Like futsal, beach soccer is not really new, but developing.  The first Beach Soccer World Cup was held in Brazil.  The US finished second to Brazil.  We also placed third in '97.  Beach soccer is a high scoring game averaging 8 goals/game during the cups.  Beach soccer is played on a sand pitch of about 100 x 75.  The penalty area crosses the entire pitch at the 18.  Each team plays a 5 side (4+keeper).  Kit is very basic.  No protective gear is warn and players must be barefoot or have an approved sock.  Beach soccer takes a hockey approach with three 12 minute periods.  Beach soccer allows both kick-ins and throw-ins.

Soccer tennis is a training game and competitive match played on a grass pitch over a tennis net.  Soccer is also expanding in the US beyond the pitch.  There are a growing number of companies offering soccer lifestyle clothing, shoes and gear.  AVID Soccer will be testing and reviewing as many of these lifestyle products as we can to expand our coverage and keep our readers up to date.