Courtesy: Grimsby Telegraph


England futsal star Ben ready for his tasty Swiss role

Friday, March 09, 2012

GRIMSBY-born international futsal player Ben Mortlock is all set to win his 30th and 31st England caps.

The Three Lions host Switzerland in two friendly matches at the Royal National College for the Blind, in Hereford, tonight and tomorrow (both 7.30pm kick-offs).

Mortlock, who works as a sports therapist for Barnet having previously occupied a similar position at Grimsby Town, is ready for the challenge.

Speaking to the Telegraph, the 25-year-old said: "I am really looking forward to the match. We have been working on a couple of things defensively and hopefully that will start to show.

"We played really well against France, but then ended up losing both games. The plan is to improve and maybe get at least one win against Switzerland.

"It is about building on the overall things we have been working on, getting that win and then maybe creating a winning mentality within the squad."

After first playing futsal (small-sided indoor football) in 2004, with Grimsby-based Discoveries Magpies, Mortlock's journey to the international arena has been winding, encountering many stops.

He moved to Middlesbrough in 2005 to study sports therapy at the University of Teeside, before completing a masters in sports injury management and therapy at Sheffield Hallam.

Now living in London, and playing for National Futsal champions Helvecia, Mortlock remains as enthusiastic as ever about his international opportunities.

He said: "Even though it is 'only futsal', pulling on that England shirt is a great feeling. I enjoy every match as much as I did my debut against Ireland in 2008.

"Going from working in the week at Barnet to being involved in a professional environment to play for England is brilliant. It never gets boring. Most of my appearances so far have been in friendlies. But, I have also played in the European and World qualifiers, which are both FIFA events."

For more information on the England futsal team, visit thefa.com/getintofootball/small-sided-football.

Tickets for the Switzerland matches can be purchased by calling (01432) 376 376.




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