New football format introduced

Six-a-side football, or indoor football, is one of the fastest growing forms of football in the world and that includes South Africa.

While six-a-side is perfect for those who just want to have a run around with mates, or have fun with company employees, it is also great for people who want something more competitive.

The Modder Sports Complex, in Modderfontein, offers games for adults, children, women as well as socials and companies.

“It’s a fast, dynamic game played on smaller-size football fields, usually with astro turf and nets to stop the ball from going out, thus allowing a continuous flow of this beautiful game.

“In six-a-side astro football, a heavier Futsal ball is used because it allows for a more touch-friendly and accurate game of football, with the players very much in control of the game. It’s almost a replica of the 11-a-side games, just on a smaller pitch and with fewer players, and this is what makes it such an exciting sport to play and watch,” said Lee Carter, Modder FC coach and chairman.

Game format

While most indoor football venues vary the application of how they play the game in South Africa, the Modder Sports Complex strives to keep the game in line with the format played in the UK and Europe, with the ultimate objection of choosing an elite side to informally represent South Africa at one of their tournaments.

Most venues play five-a-side and the game is played where you are allowed to use the nets while in play.

“We firmly believe this takes away the true reason of playing football and therefore our rules differ slightly. For example, if the ball hits my nets, then the ball is deemed out, just like in 11-a-side football, and you then have to take a kick in. This not only helps your game to be accurate, in terms of passing, but also allows for a more free-flowing, easy-on-the-eye brand of football,”said Lee.

Although there are a few brands of indoor football in South Africa, most players are easily adaptable when it comes to changing venues or the way the game is played. “What I have done is take the best out of all formats of the smaller version game and created a beautiful playing experience with six-a-side astro football,” he said.

How it’s played

In six-a-side, there are six players in each team on the field, of which one must be the goalkeeper. There are no time additions for injury or additional time and the clock doesn’t stop when the ball is out of play. Standard 11-a-side rules apply, but there is no offside. Slide tackles or two-on-one tackle situations are not allowed, thereby reducing the risk of any injuries.

If you want to have a casual game every now and then, or fancy the challenge of a league ranging from skillful to not so skillful, then six-a-side football could be for you.

For more information on the Modder Sports Complex, the sport, registering a side or sourcing a comprehensive list of rules, visit www.modder.co.za, or email lee@moddersportsclub.co.za. You can also follow them on Twitter @moddersp and Facebook www.facebook.com/modderfontein

To register a team in their leagues you can call Shonn on 082 342-6723 or Shayne on 060 423 9263.