FUTSAL RETURNS TO SHEFFIELD

The prestigious FA National Futsal Finals are to be staged in Sheffield for the second year running.

The championships will be held at EIS - Sheffield between 8-10 July 2005 and will involve 16 teams from across England.

Futsal is FIFA's official version of 5-a-side football which has gained huge interest across England, leading to the development of a national tournament.

EIS - Sheffield successfully hosted last year's FA Finals, with Team USSR from London clinching the title and earning the chance to represent England in the UEFA Futsal Cup.

Dermot Collins, FA National Development Manager said: "Futsal is steadily gaining recognition as the best form of small-sided football in this country. It is ideal in the development of young players, but it is enjoyed by millions of people of all ages across the world.

"Sheffield helped increase awareness of the sport when they hosted the
national Futsal finals in 2004. Due to the success of the event, we had no hesitation in returning to the city as we expect this year to be even bigger."

There are 26 regional leagues - Eight more than last year - from Cornwall to Cumbria to determine who plays in this summer's National Finals.

This announcement means that the city's Sheffield International Venues, which includes EIS - Sheffield, are staging 35 major sporting events throughout the year.

Sheffield City Council's Major Sports Events manager, Gary Clifton said: "We are delighted the Football Association are coming back to the city to stage the National Futsal Finals.

"It is a glowing tribute to the excellent facilities available in Sheffield. Once people experience how good they are, many continue to return year on year."

Sheffield's Elite league, run by Sheffield & Hallamshire FA, will involve the top teams from Futsal leagues currently being run at the Sheffield United Academy and the University of Sheffield.