The futsal and five-a-side market - Portugal

Since 2020, the futsal market in Portugal has seen a significant decline in the number of registered athletes from a peak of 56,558 to 31,826, in part due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has impacted the sport's growth and facility usage. Despite this setback, futsal remains one of Portugal's most attractive and widely practiced sports, particularly among amateurs and in educational settings. The female segment has shown promise, with an increase in participation, reaching a record 13,239 federated athletes in 2022.

The market has also been consolidating, with a focus on diversifying activities, enhancing service offerings, and forming strategic partnerships with local and international entities. Urban Soccer Lisbon is noted for leveraging technology and innovation, introducing new activities like Bubble Soccer, and building relationships with major soccer clubs. Additionally, new tournaments and platforms such as MiniFootball Portugal promote amateur competition on national and international levels. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, initiatives to revitalize the sport, including adopting new promotional strategies and optimizing facility occupancy, suggest a resilient and adaptive market looking to rebound and expand.

The Rise of Futsal: Portugal's Growing Passion for the Indoor Pitch

In recent years, futsal has surged in popularity across Portugal, emerging as a sport with a rapidly expanding player base and increasing social significance. The sport's origins, traced back to Uruguay post-1930 World Cup, found a vibrant new home in Portugal in the late 70s and has since grown exponentially. With over 25,000 athletes registered under the Portuguese Futsal Federation, it is clear that the sport has struck a chord within the nation. Futsal's market in Portugal is evolving at two distinct speeds. On one hand, the historical commitment of South American nations such as Brazil, Argentina, and Peru has seen the sport entrenched within their culture. This has led to an established market benefiting from early federation structures. In contrast, European markets, including Portugal, have witnessed a more recent bloom, propelled by the emergence of paying complexes and increases in subscribers. The sport's structure within Europe has seen variations, with some countries like Spain and Italy embracing it in the mid-80s and others like the UK and Scandinavian nations introducing it much later but experiencing rapid development.

The popularity of futsal is evident in the growth of dedicated complexes and the escalating number of players. For instance, England has nearly three times as many players as France, boasting around six million in 2016, suggesting a strong interest in regular participation. However, this boom has not been without its challenges. Marquee market leaders in England, such as Powerleague, have had to close several complexes due to profitability issues. These examples serve as cautionary tales for the Portuguese market, which is seeing a consolidation trend around a few dominant players. Portugal's obsession with the sport was cemented when its national team clinched its first international title at the 9th FIFA World Cup edition in 2021. Portuguese futsal phenomenon Ricardinho, a five-time World's Best Player, has also contributed to the sport's fame. Despite the clear enthusiasm for the sport, there have been setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is particularly distressing considering that the sport had experienced an annual growth of 14% per season prior to the pandemic. Supporting the enthusiasm for futsal is the Portuguese population's love of sport in general. Even though a WHO study suggests that around

The Titans of the Portuguese Futsal Arena: A Spotlight on Market Leaders and Challengers

As the futsal phenomenon continues to enchant Portugal's sports landscape, a blend of established market leaders and dynamic challengers characterizes the vibrancy of this rapidly developing segment. With the growth of the sport at the professional and amateur levels, these key players are extending the forefront of indoor soccer facilities, engaging communities, and contributing to an ever-evolving market structure.

Market Leaders:

• Indoor Soccer: A cornerstone in the Portuguese futsal universe, Indoor Soccer has long established itself as a go-to destination. Known for high-quality pitches and a passionate commitment to the sport, this organization has become synonymous with futsal excellence, offering an unmatched experience for both beginners and seasoned players.
• Arena Playsports: Another titan in the field, Arena Playsports has carved out a substantial footprint in the futsal market. Not only has it provided state-of-the-art facilities that cater to the sport's unique requirements, but it also has been instrumental in fostering a culture where sportsmanship and competition coalesce harmoniously.

Challengers:

• My Indoor: Relatively new to the futsal scene, My Indoor has quickly risen through the ranks to challenge the dominance of the big players. It differentiates itself with innovative service offerings and appeals to a younger demographic that values tech-enhanced playing experiences and modern leisure facilities.
• Urban Soccer: Agile and forward-thinking, Urban Soccer has made waves with its urban appeal and diverse service portfolio. It goes beyond just providing futsal courts; it has conceived a community-centric spot where families and friends can gather to enjoy soccer in a comfortable and lively atmosphere.

Independents:

• Airfut: Priding itself on a customer-centric approach, Airfut has carved a unique niche. This independent complex champions accessibility and affordability, serving those looking for an unfettered and straightforward futsal experience without the frills.
• Futebol 5 Low Cost: Living up to its name, Futebol 5 Low Cost has strategically positioned itself as the budget-friendly option in the market. Aimed at making the sport accessible to broader demographics, it effectively addresses cost barriers, encouraging more people to engage in futsal.
• Beloura Soccer, Footspace: These smaller players have strategically dotted the futsal scene, each with its unique flair. By offering personalized and intimate playing experiences, they cater to niche communities and are essential.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/10/2020

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Number of futsal players
• Sales of sports facility management companies
• Growth in federated female soccer and futsal players
• Sports most followed by the Portuguese (excluding soccer)
• Reasons why Portuguese people play sport
• Regularity with which the Portuguese play sport
• Reasons why the Portuguese don't play sports
• Distribution of sports infrastructure financing by region