Courtesy: Reading Chronicle


Reading goes futsal mad

by Shakila Barabhuiya

A FUTSAL revolution is underway with the creation of the first-ever men’s futsal team in Reading and its creator is looking to spread the word about this dynamic sport.

Many people have probably never heard of futsal but it comes with a high pedigree with the likes of Brazilians Denilson, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos growing up playing the sport.

Futsal is similar to five-a-side football but is played on a smaller marked pitch where there can be throw-ins and free-kicks. Unlike the indoor game, the goals are squarer and similar to hockey goals.

The ball is also smaller so there is less bounce and more chances to run with the ball. The rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique.

Fernando Silva, who has been a coach at Shinfield Rangers FC for five years, played futsal for a local side in Portugal for 10 years and has always dreamed of setting up a team – and that became a reality two months ago.

He contacted friends and advertised for players locally and the response was so phenomenal that two men’s teams were created instead of the initial one – Shinfield Rangers and Shinfield Royals.

The teams started playing last month in the Berks and Bucks FA Futsal League in Aylesbury and both sides couldn’t have faced more difficult opening fixtures with Rangers playing the defending champions and Royals the runners-up.

Both teams lost their matches but Rangers bounced back and won the next two games 13-5 and 8-6 respectively.

The teams played each other two weeks ago with Rangers overwhelming their clubmates 19-2.

Xavier Calvet produced the most outstanding performance scoring nine of the 19 goals.

There are around 16 players of various nationalities from Brazilians to Mauritians who come from Reading, Slough and Maidenhead, including Awais Chaudry who has 11 years’ playing experience.

“We are proud to be the first team in Reading,” declared Silva. “I always had futsal in my mind so I thought why not set one up.

“We have new players wanting to join us almost every day.”

However, Silva is frustrated by the lack of venues in Reading, which has forced the Rangers to train at Slough and Eton College.

But the level two coach believes everyone can benefit from playing the sport, especially youngsters.

“Ronaldinho, Kaka, Deco – all those big stars started with futsal because it’s fast and so you develop your skills very quickly.

“It’s very competitive and that will be good for the kids and will help them with their football.

He added: “It’s fun and you’re always involved.

“Sometimes in 11-a-side, kids don’t touch the ball, while in futsal there’s only five players so you have to play and you have to touch the ball. The more they participate the more they’ll develop.

“Also, with the weather here it’s more appropriate to play futsal because a lot of games are cancelled during winter.”

Silva cites this year’s World Cup as a prime example, adding: “In the last World Cup England were very poor. Spain won and they are the champions in futsal as well so I think England will gain a lot in the future by playing futsal.”

Silva has big ambitions for the future and hopes to enter his side into the regional league next year subject to finding a local venue.

“It’s a fantastic sport and we want to develop it.

“We want to get the kids interested and the FA are really keen to help me. We want people that don’t know to get interested and to get playing.”

The team are looking for players and sponsors. Anyone interested should contact Fernando Silva on 07983 950 710 or email shinfieldrangersfutsal@hotmail.co.uk.


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