SWINDON’S mayor kicked off a drive to bring football with a difference to the masses.

Coun David Wren was at the @Futsal arena on the Techno Trading Estate, off Bramble Road, Stratton, to highlight the sport.

The event was in advance of the FA National Futsal League’s grand final there this weekend.

The final will feature the futsal team chosen to represent England in the 2010 UEFA Futsal Cup.

Coun Wren had the chance to have a kick-about with Year Nine and 10 pupils from Swindon Academy.

Frank Rodriguez, the man behind @Futsal, which has arenas here and in Cardiff, said: “We saw a huge gap in the UK for a sport that’s loved around the world and so did the FA.

“So it’s with their support that we’re bringing futsal to the people of Britain – it’s the future of five-a-side football.

“We’re hoping the people of Swindon, Wiltshire and the rest of the UK will turn out in their droves to watch the games.”

Futsal comes from the Spanish words for “hall” which is “sala” and “football” which is “futbol.”

It is played between two teams of five, one of whom is a goalkeeper and teams can have up to seven substitutes.

Playing arena boundaries are marked with lines and not walls unlike other forms of indoor football.

Throw-ins are replaced by kick-ins from touch lines.

The play-off rounds are between 10.30am and 7.15pm on Saturday and the final will be on Sunday at 3pm.

For tickets, or to book a court or sign a team, call Chris Ketterman-Miles on 0845 600 2820.

For more information go to www.futsaluk.net.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £2 for children.