This is Futsal

Unfortunately in England anytime anyone asks me what sport I play they have no idea what Futsal is. 'Yeah I play Futsal, it's the FIFA version of 5-a-side played professionally around the world' the reply normally something along the lines of '.....fusbal? what's fusbal?' and then comes the slightly longer explanation. 

Now Futsal is an amazing Sport and it has been reported that there are more Professional Futsal teams in Spain than there are Football Teams. With Spain currently ranked 1st by FIFA as the top Futsal team in the world it is no surprise that Brasil are a close second. England over the past several years have been outside the Top 100 in the world but since the new management of Pete Sturgess the England Team has managed to stake a position in 2010 in the Top 100, which currently stands at number 87th in the World. This just goes to show that Futsal in England is on the up.

If we look back to 2007 Brazil were in the Number 1 spot with Spain in 2nd, this seems to a be a common ground of rivalry that is being upheld over the years. The big question is will England ever rival the likes of Brazil and Spain? Now it is without a doubt something that is wanted by those in the Futsal world in England, but it is surely a far far away dream?

Over the past few years Futsal in the UK has gone from local leagues providing a route into a limited FA Futsal Cup to a 3 tier League system spanning over North, Midlands and South. With 7 teams in the North, 7 in the Midlands and 8 in the South things are looking bright for Futsal in England. The FA Cup Finals hosted to 16 teams from all the UK and 11 women's Teams also competiting.

Winning the Men's competition was Helvecia, completing their 3rd successive FA Cup Title edging out Spartans in the Final 3 goals to 2.

Those that are involved in Futsal and those that have been involved over the years are desperate for Futsal to take that next step over the edge into professionalism. With a handful of English players having been abroad to play for professional clubs it is seeming ever closer. Ex-Middlesbrough Futsal Club player Matthew Wootton had a season in Italy at Cosenza Futsal Club. Another noticeable player is Doug Reed, Former England Futsal player and recently resigned for his former club Manchester Futsal, whom played for Cyprus club AEL Limassol.

With the 3 national leagues now being supplied new talent from 'feeder' leagues, Futsal is on the up. The feeder leagues are generally 'B' Team Futsal clubs and players that are interested in this 'new' sport, but do not yet know much. In time these feeder teams will be of the standard of the current National League and the National League will be fully professional.

Futsal is a force in England (and other parts of the UK), and it is striding towards a great future. We are mere moments away from the success we crave! Support Futsal, support development, support the future!