The local sporting body had 60 players registered following its inception in 2012, and now has 235, with another four teams placed on a waiting list.

Wagga Futsal president Sam Gray said the expected opening of the new Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) venue in 2019 loomed as the long-term solution.

Council committed $3 million to the development in June, a move which provided a major boost for a futsal competition stretched beyond its limits at Bolton Park Stadium. 

“I’ve had countless people contacting me asking if can they enter a team,” he said.

“I’ve just had to explain to them that unfortunately we’re at capacity and that within next couple of years, we’re hoping to expand the competition at the new venue.” 

In the meantime, he is searching for short-term solution, stressing that Wagga City Council had been very helpful in the ongoing discussions between the two sides.

Finding an extra hour of game time on each court at Bolton Park Stadium on Monday nights looms as one possible outcome.

Meanwhile, participation rates only continue to rise.

Gray said the sport’s suitability for young players was a big reason behind its surge in popularity.

“It’s a great way for kids to be introduced to the game,” he said.

“It really develops the four core skills which the FFA is promoting, which are first touch, one on one, striking the ball and running with the ball.

Gray believes the sport is thriving beyond its participation numbers, pointing to an increase in sponsors from one to nine over the past year, the seven local Country NSW representatives, and 110 kids heading off to compete in Wagga Futsal’s first ever representative teams at the state championships early next month.

He added that Football NSW had indicated it would assist Wagga Futsal in landing major tournaments following construction of the PCYC venue.