Today we’d like to introduce you to Esteban Mariel.
Hi Esteban, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
We started City Futsal in 2011 with a simple belief that Futsal builds smarter, more confident soccer players. What started as training sessions in school gyms quickly turned into weeknight pick-up games, weekend leagues & tournaments, and a word-of-mouth following.
Those early years taught us two things. First, players of every age crave more touches on the ball. Second, a great experience matters as much as a great session. Well-organized, clean courts, good music, and a welcoming vibe for families. With that in mind, we set out to build a permanent home.
In 2019, we opened our flagship Sports Park at the Dallas Farmers Market, transforming a parking lot into a year-round hub for futsal and 5v5 soccer. It’s become a place where kids, parents, beginners, and former college players share the same space and rhythm of play. On any given day, you’ll see youth futsal training or games on the court, an adult 5v5 game on the turf fields, and families and communities coming together, grabbing food and drink before or after a match.
We’ve grown our programming the same way we started, listen to players, iterate fast, and keep it personal. Today, that means Youth Futsal Leagues (on court and turf), adult divisions from beginner to competitive, Elite Week Camps, 3v3 and 5v5 tournaments, organized pick-up games (with partners), and private rentals and events for teams, schools, and companies. Behind it is still a hands-on family team focused on operations, experience, and community partnerships.
Our north star hasn’t changed, create more opportunities to play, learn, and connect. If we can deliver a place where people feel proud to belong, then we’re doing our job. That’s how we started, and it’s how we’ve gotten to where we are today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Short answer: No, and we’re grateful for that. It has shaped us into who we are today.
Early on, we operated pop-ups in borrowed gyms. Securing a permanent home was a significant step, and transforming it into what it is today required a lot of trial and error.
Since the City Futsal Sports Park in Dallas is an outdoor facility, we face environmental challenges as well. We contend with heat waves, thunderstorms, and occasionally muddy pitches after heavy rainfall. To address these issues, we invested in shade structures, drainage systems, and regular maintenance. We also worked hard to improve parking and entrance flow in the Farmers Market area. When we changed entrances for safety, we had to retrain habits using signage, video walkthroughs, and staff on site.
Operationally, we’ve tackled the unglamorous aspects that can make or break a great night of games: building a reliable referee pipeline, standardizing league rules across different levels, ensuring that cameras and technology are functional, and setting clear expectations regarding sportsmanship and facility rules. As we grew, we had to confront real challenges related to cash-flow seasonality, staffing, and training. We learned to plan our seasons earlier, invest in our people, and sometimes say “no.”
Perhaps our biggest challenge was educational; futsal isn’t just “smaller soccer.” We spent years demonstrating to families and players how futsal fosters confidence, creativity, and quicker decision-making. Once people experience that difference, they understand.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about City Futsal?
At City Futsal, we strive to provide the highest quality competition, facilities, and programming to enhance the development and growth of our players.
As a family-run business based in Dallas, Texas, we are committed to fostering a welcoming and safe environment for all to enjoy the game we love. Whether through our youth futsal leagues, youth 5v5 soccer leagues, adult 5v5 soccer leagues, facility rentals, or other events, we aim to bring people together and promote the sport of futsal and soccer in our community.
What we do / specialize in
Player development through small-sided play. More touches per player, faster decisions, creativity under pressure.
Premium, consistent leagues. Clear rules, reliable schedules, trained referees, and multiple levels from beginner to competitive.
High-energy experiences. Clean courts, good music, simple check-in, and a welcoming vibe for families and first-timers.
Flexible offerings. Elite Week camps, events, corporate/team rentals, and birthdays.
What sets us apart
Futsal DNA. We’re not just “soccer on smaller fields.” Our entire format and culture come from futsal’s proven development model.
Community + culture. We treat game nights like gatherings, people stick around, cheer, eat, and connect.
Consistency. From signage and wayfinding to referees and customer care, we obsess over the details that make play smooth and safe.
Inclusive pathways. Kids, adults, beginners, and former college players share the same space, with divisions and programs that meet you where you are.
What we want readers to know
If you want your kid to build real skill and confidence, start with futsal.
If you’re an adult looking for a competitive but friendly league, we’ve got a division for you.
If you’re planning a birthday or corporate team-builder, our fields and staff make it turnkey and fun.
You don’t need to “be a player” to be part of the community. Come for a pick-up game, a final under the lights, or just to hang and watch.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Monk who sold his Ferrari, Brave new World, Blood Meridian
Pricing:
- Youth Futsal Leagues: $600 – $675
- Adult 5v5 Leagues: $550 – $625
- 3v3 & 5v5 Tournaments: $175 – $225
- Rentals: $110 – $200/hr
- Elite Week Camps: $250 – $675
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cityfutsal.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityfutsal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityFutsal/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CityFutsal
Image Credits
Felipe Mariel
