Virtus Football & Futsal: Teamwork, Passion and Opportunity

For four decades, football has brought people together through teamwork, passion and the shared pursuit of excellence. Within Virtus, it has become one of the organisation’s key team sports, providing athletes with an intellectual disability opportunities to compete, develop and represent their countries on the international stage.

The Virtus football and futsal programme encompasses both outdoor football and indoor futsal, offering athletes different formats and competitive environments while preserving the core values of the game. Football provides the traditional 11-a-side format, while futsal offers a faster-paced game played with smaller teams in an indoor setting.

Virtus manages the international eligibility of athletes and delivers world and regional competitions, including championships and tournaments. The sport is overseen by the Virtus Football and Futsal Committee, while athletes interested in competing internationally are encouraged to contact their National Federation about selection, training and competition opportunities.

As futsal has developed within the Virtus programme, its fast pace, smaller teams and indoor environment have added another pathway into international competition. Together, football and futsal continue to expand opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment and strengthen the role of team sport within the Virtus movement.

Growing an International Competition Pathway

Football has been part of the Virtus sports programme since its early development. It featured in the World Games for Athletes with an Intellectual Disability and, in either outdoor or indoor format, has remained part of almost every edition of the Global Games, held every four years. Over the years, these competitions have provided a platform for athletes to compete internationally, represent their nations and experience the unique sense of belonging that comes with being part of a team.

Both football and futsal are conducted in accordance with FIFA rules, with adaptations applied where necessary to support athletes with an intellectual impairment. These adaptations help create fair and inclusive competition while maintaining the integrity of the sport.

To date, the programme has delivered 7 World competitions and 5 Regional European competitions, giving athletes opportunities to progress from regional competition to the world stage.

Football and futsal have also remained an important part of the Global Games programme, helping maintain a regular international pathway while bringing together athletes and teams from across the Virtus movement.

Japan, France, Portugal, Russia, Spain and Poland are some of the teams that have been among the top teams in Futsal/Football.

As participation continues to develop, Virtus is focused on strengthening competition opportunities and creating a sustainable international pathway for athletes in both formats.

 

For athletes, football and futsal offer far more than competition. Being part of a team can build confidence, communication, friendships and a strong sense of belonging, while international competition provides opportunities to represent a country and connect with athletes from around the world.

The programme also reflects the wider development of Virtus sport – creating opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment to compete in established sporting environments while ensuring that inclusion remains at the centre of the experience.

Looking Ahead

As Virtus celebrates 40 years, football and futsal remain important parts of its sporting story. From the early World Games to today’s world and regional competitions, the programmes have continued to provide athletes with opportunities to compete, grow and share their passion for the game.

This journey has been made possible by the dedication of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, member organisations and the Virtus Football and Futsal Committee, whose commitment continues to develop the sport.

With football and futsal continuing to grow within the Virtus movement, the goal remains clear: more opportunities, more international competition and more athletes able to experience the power of sport and teamwork.

If you know someone with an intellectual disability or autism who would like to compete in the Virtus Football and Futsal programme, encourage them to contact their national Virtus member organisation, apply for eligibility and begin their journey towards international competition.

Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986