Courtesy: Swindon Advertiser


Futsal players boost charity

Wednesday 22nd September 2010

By Emma Dunn

TEAMS of futsal players battled it out on the pitch last weekend to raise funds for disadvantaged children’s charity Barnado’s.

Both experienced and new players took part in a five-a-side charity tournament and raised about £400 on Sunday.

The 16 teams played from 2pm until 6pm when the Futsal 5 were crowned the winners at the @Futsal Arena, in Kembrey Park.

Dominic Virgilio, sales and marketing manager of @Futsal, said: “It went really well. Barnado’s were really happy with the organisation of it all.

“My initial aim was about £500. Unfortunately we didn’t make that target but to get 16 teams, which was the minimum target, was brilliant,” he said.

Seven teams who had never played futsal before joined in and all teams played under world cup names, which were picked out of a hat.

“A couple of teams did pretty well and surprised a couple of teams and everybody enjoyed it.

“It’s not about winning, it’s about taking part. If they’re new to futsal they’re not going to instatly win, they have to develop their futsal conditioning because of the speed of play and it gets very hot in here,” he said.

There was also a barbecue, raffle, and penalty challenge cup and crossbar challenge with a leaderboard, to raise extra funds.

“In our leagues here it’s just a bunch of guys who are all friends and just come to participate,” said Dominic.

Barnado’s is the chosen charity of the Royal Mail this year, who worked in partnership with @Futsal to organise the day as part of the Believe in Children appeal.

A spokesman for Barnado’s said: “We are delighted that Royal Mail Group and the community are supporting us in such a big way with our first Believe in Children appeal and that they are so committed, enthusiastic and positive in getting behind us.”

The next futsal event is the Pepsi Max championship cup on September 26. Visit futsaluk.net to take part.


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