DONCASTER REACH NATIONAL FA FINALS

A team of footballers from Doncaster College for the Deaf has qualified for a national competition.

The college will compete in the FA National Futsal Finals after winning the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA's Elite Futsal league.

They are the first ever deaf team to qualify for the tournament, which is being staged at the English Institute of Sport - Sheffield on July 8-10.

Futsal is a fast, skilful game and is seen by the football's governing body, FIFA, as ideal for young people to develop the perfect technique.

Doncaster beat former national winners Sheffield Hallam in a league play-off to reach the Finals and play against the country's top Futsal teams.

Jon Smith, Programme Manager for Sport at Doncaster College for the Deaf, said: "We started playing Futsal about three years ago and joined the Sheffield League, which was really enjoyable for us all.

"Some members of this team have played abroad in various deaf Futsal
competitions for the club. They have been quite successful, bringing back some silverware. We also have a few who have played in the European Deaf Championships, so it's a strong team.

"We are very pleased to be in the 2005 National Finals and we are all
looking forward to it as we will be against the best in the UK. It will be a great experience for us."

Some of the world's leading footballers such as Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Figo and Roberto Carlos played Futsal as youngsters and the game sustains professional leagues in Spain, Portugal, Russia, Italy, Brazil and Japan.

Sixteen teams from around the country will be competing in the event, with the winners representing England in the UEFA Futsal Cup.

Admission to the Futsal Championships in Sheffield is free to spectators throughout the weekend, with the finals taking place on Sunday, July 10.

For more information about Futsal leagues in South Yorkshire, contact the Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA on 0114 2414 999. Alternatively, you can visit www.sheffield fa.com.

Picture Caption: FA National Futsal Finalists Doncaster College for the Deaf