It’s soccer time! But there’s no need to bundle up for the January cold because you can always move the ball inside. Indoor soccer is just the sport you need to keep you or your little soccer fans busy kicking and heading the ball during the winter season.

Indoor soccer began at the Commonwealth Calvary Armory in Boston in 1923, when the world’s first indoor soccer league debuted with 11-a-side teams on a full-sized field. Since then it has spread in popularity and, according to Jimmy Stanton of Austin Indoor Soccer, now there are approximately 300 leagues across the country. In our area specifically, Austin Indoor Soccer has 60 adult teams and 25 to 30 youth teams.

For indoor soccer, there are several differences to conventional soccer, though it follows the same concept. The field is smaller and the game is played six-on-six. Also, there are only two 20-minute halves, so the games are a bit shorter. And grass cleats can be left at home — the only required equipment is flat surface shoes and shin guards.

Many people who love outdoor soccer find indoor soccer just as riveting. For instance, James Baker, a University of Texas football kicker, plays with the Austin Indoor Soccer league and with a UT indoor soccer intramural league. “The best thing about [indoor soccer] is the speed of the game — it never stops,” Baker says. “You are always running and changing players on the fly, and the number of goals you can score increases, so that ups the fun involved for players and the fans.”

With Austin Indoor Soccer, the league is divided by age and experience level. The really little ones are co-ed, while the youth league includes both girls and boys teams. At the adult level there are men’s teams and co-ed teams, but you have to be at least 18 years old to play. “We’ve had a women’s division in the past and we’re trying to get one started back up, hopefully for next season,” Stanton says.

If you’re looking to find out how to start up a team or get involved with one currently, you need to get on the ball (no pun intended). The adult registration deadline is Jan. 3 and the youth registration runs until Jan. 16. For more information, call Austin Indoor Soccer at 252.7772.