Courtesy: Berrows Journal


Gill delighted with England futsal cap

Tuesday 2nd June 2009

A UNIVERSITY of Worcester sports student has received an England cap to mark the eight times he has so far represented his country in the game of Futsal.

Shane Gill represented his country at the World 5’s Futsal Tournament last year in Kuala Lumpur.

Futsal, a five-a-side game, backed by FIFA and UEFA, is played with a heavier and smaller version of an 11-a-side football and is viewed on the world stage as a way to improve creativity, dribbling, close control and passing techniques.

Although the game is relatively new to the UK, it has a massive following across the world, with hotbeds in Brazil, Spain, Italy and Portugal.

It is credited with developing the skills of world class footballers such as Luis Figo, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos, who were all involved in the game from an early age.

“It is fantastic to receive an England cap,” said 21-year-old Gill, who is nearing the completion of his sports studies and sociology degree.

“I loved playing for my country last year and hope that I can get selected again this September.”

Gill, who hails from Devon, also plays futsal for Great Britain Universities and 11-a-side football for England Universities and Malvern Town.

Craig Williams, who has helped to establish Futsal at the university, said; “Futsal is becoming a really popular sport and it’s great to see that Shane made the England team and received his cap.

“The sport really is a great way to perfect and improve your football techniques.”







Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com