“The directors of PBSC were looking at other ways to diversify the club so that it can be more widely used by the community,” PBSC chairman Mick Blunt said.

“Futsal has been considered one of the fastest growing sports in Australia.”

Mick said the futsal competition would make better use of underused facilities, with one of the club’s greens making way for two 15x30 metre futsal fields.

The competition will also allow local soccer fans to continue playing outside of the winter season.

PBSC has made adequate adjustments to the greens to make sure it is fit to be used for futsal.

A fence has been constructed around the fields during working bees and new lines and boundaries are being installed.

The Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association has been kind enough to lend the PBSC some nets, goals and equipment for use in the competition.

The PBSC Futsal competition will be run by a committee of PBSC club members, some members of the Parkes and District Amateur Soccer Association, as well as other interested parties.

The start date of the 10-week competition is still to be decided, however it will begin sometime in February and is expected to finish up in time for the winter soccer season.

The futsal competition will then recommence in October until December.

Futsal is played similarly to soccer, except for some distinct differences.

It’s played on a smaller field with denser balls and each team is allowed eight players, with only five on the field, including the goalkeeper.

Senior players (aged 16 and over) play 20 minute halves, and junior (under 8s to under 14s) matches depend on their age groups, ranging from 10 to 20 minute halves.

The PBSC competition would be played in the evenings on weekdays.

Mick said futsal has had a strong response from the Parkes community, as many players have already registered and expressed interest.

For those interested in registering a team or a single entry (to be placed into a team), the PBSC is holding a registration day this Saturday, February 11.

“There is enough interest for senior men's and senior mixed competitions and a mixed junior competition,” Mick said.

Registration is $60 for senior players and $55 for juniors.

This includes membership to the PBSC which entitles players to use the PBSC facilities.

For more information, contact the PBSC committee on Facebook (@pbscfutsal), email pbscfutsal@gmail.com or by dropping into the PBSC.

“A big thank you on behalf of PBSC goes out to all the members of the community, members of PBSC, and local businesses who have volunteered to put up the required fences, provided materials and helped organise the competition,” Mick said.