Indoor soccer is a fast-paced variant of soccer in which teams field five outfield players and a goalkeeper. It is played on a smaller pitch with smaller goals, and games are reduced in length.

But this shortened version of the beautiful game is not necessarily a soft option since the game is constantly moving and requires high levels of fitness and stamina if you’re going to be able to stay the pace. That said, indoor soccer is an extremely social sport, and there’s plenty of opportunities to play it informally, perhaps as a weekly kick about with friends, to ensure that you not only have fun but also enjoy a good workout.

Indoor soccer differs from the eleven-a-side version of the game in the number of ways including:

• Some leagues employ a multi point system for goals scored from outside the 45-yard mark.
• Games are shorter, consisting of four 15 minute quarters.
• There is no offside rule.
• The ball can be played off the walls or boundaries of the pitch meaning there are next to no stoppages.
• Free substitutions while play continues.

These rules are often waived in informal games played between friends, but in competitive leagues the norm is for these rules to be enforced.

The main advantage of five-a-side football is that it can be played both indoors and outdoors. This gives you the opportunity to play soccer all year round, and it’s rare for games to be called off except in the harshest of winter conditions.

Indoor soccer provides excellent social interaction between friends and work colleagues, and with the right amount of numbers, can be easily arranged. Most local recreation centers will offer both indoor and outdoor pitches and tend to charge by the hour for the use of the pitch with or without ball hire.

Outside pitches are usually ‘all-weather' or 'astroturf' pitches which are generally available all year round. Both pitches require players to have good ball control since the bounce of the ball will usually be higher on the hard ground as compared to when playing on grass. These pitches also require players to play in sneakers rather than studded boots.

Indoor soccer is often also played on indoor pitches. These are normally played on the hard wooden floors that can be found in most gym halls. A specialist ball is used for indoor games which is lighter. A main advantage of indoor pitches is that the players are protected from the weather. 

Indoor soccer, on the whole is generally less competitive than the traditional eleven-a-side game and is a great way of  getting into playing soccer, either for the first time, or if you’re getting back to playing after a long break.

In the US indoor soccer is a form of the game that is growing in popularity. The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) is the major league of professional indoor soccer and boasts a five team professional championship.