Courtesy: www.edp24.co.uk

England Futsal call-up for Jamie

May 15, 2004 07:40

It is every schoolboy's dream to pull on an England shirt and represent his country.

But, for Lowestoft Town footballer Jamie Godbold, that dream will become reality in two weeks time.

For the 24-year-old has been selected in England's newest national team - in the sport of futsal.

Godbold is among a squad of 14 who will compete in two inaugural home internationals against Belgium at the University of Bath on Monday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 25, as the first ever futsal international match is played in this country.

And if he impresses here, the hope is that he'll be selected among a squad of 12 that will represent England in Malaysia in the KL World Championship's tournament next month.

The Regional Football Development Manager (Eastern) Jamie Houchen, who had spotted the Lowestoft lad's talent at the Raw Soccer Community Football Centre, recommended Godbold - who is renowned as one of the most skilful players in the Ridgeons League - to the national team. And after a call-up for a weekend of trials and training at Lilleshall came "out of the blue," for Godbold, he impressed England futsal coach Graeme Dell enough to be selected for the national squad.

Speaking about his call-up, a delighted Godbold said: "It's all happened so quickly and hasn't really sunk in yet - I can hardly believe it.

"The squad was announced on www.fa.com on Monday and I kept looking on there nervously, for what seemed like every 10 minutes, before my name finally appeared after lunch. It was such a great feeling to see your name on England's website."

Futsal provides a high paced, energetic, fast flowing game for spectators and allows players to be at their most creative by protecting those showing attacking flair.

"Not many people know about futsal in England but it's massive around the world," Godbold said.

"I've always enjoyed five-a-side football and I'm more suited to this type of game as you have to be skilful, have quick feet and be sharp."

Houchen is a coach with the Norwich City Football in the Community scheme. He began a promising local youth career at Burnt Hill and Pakefield FC, before Stoke City spotted his talents and he went on to spend almost five years with the club.

In that time he captained the youth side, played for the reserves over 30 times and represented Scotland Youth on three occasions before he was released.

Since moving back to Lowestoft, Godbold has made over 200 appearances for the Crown Meadow outfit, despite a short spell at Dr Martens League club Cambridge City.

"It would be a dream to represent my country in the world tournament," Godbold said. "But at the moment I'm just concentrating on the Belgium games."

The England squad is mainly made up of non-league players but also includes Sheffield United's Dan Wood.

Futsal is a five-a-side game. But unlike the familiar version usually seen in sports hall there is no playing the ball off the walls. Whenever the ball goes out of play is restarted with a kick in.