Boro Champions of the North

Middlesbrough saw off the challenge from Loughborough University last weekend with a 7-3 victory to seal the FA Futsal League North title. Captain Ryon Leyshon led the team to victory with two goals, but it was an exceptional team performance that kept Loughborough at bay and in the end it was a comfortable win against the FA Futsal Cup finalists.

Many may have thought that Loughborough’s form would have given them the edge, but Boro showed a spirited performance that epitomised their season and goals from Leyshon 2, Wootton 2, Roberts 2 and one from man of the match Jason Kilbride gave Boro the win they deserved.

Manager Damon Shaw was happy with the team’s performance not just in this game but over the 10 months of the season. “This performance was a result of a lot of hard work and effort over a long season. It’s pleasing to be crowned champions, but the performance against one of the best teams in the country made me proud of them all. We start training again now after a mid season break and it (the win) should fill us with confidence going into the playoffs in 2 weeks.”

Middlesbrough face old adversaries Tranmere Victoria in their first game, before facing the runner-up of the South League. The winner of the group of three will face the winner of the other group, which includes reigning champions and favourites Helvecia. The winner will be crowned champions of England 2009.

Boro warm up for the playoffs with the Erreà International Futsal Cup, to be played at Thornaby from 18 – 21 October, where they host a Uruguayan team and two other English teams.

Manager Damon Shaw also wants to build on this season’s success and while all his efforts are on bringing the title back to Teesside he is preparing for the next season already. Middlesbrough are holding an open trial on 18th October at Thornaby Pavilion from 5-6pm. (Before the opening game of the Errea Cup.)

The opportunities in futsal are fantastic says Shaw, “We’ve produced three England internationals, who are playing this weekend against Israel, and one professional player who is now plying his trade in Italy with Cosenza Calcio a 5. Futsal is set to boom in this country and I want Middlesbrough to be at the forefront of that.”

For more information, and to jump on board the futsal bandwagon, go to BoroFutsal.com, or contact Damon Shaw on damon@borofutsal.co.uk.







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