Courtesy: The FA


Northern force


The FA National Football Finals kick off in less than a fortnight with sides from the north of the country hoping to continue their recent dominance.

The tournament, which is being hosted by Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA, was won by Doncaster College for the Deaf last year, while Sheffield Hallam triumphed in 2003.

White Bear, from London, broke up the monopoly when they won in 2004, but last year's winners Doncaster College and Ravenous Taverners, another Sheffield based side who have won the SoccerScene League a staggering six times, are keen to make it three years out of four for the northern teams.

Jamie Turner, captain of Taverners, said: "We have got three players - Graham Smith, Stephen Harrison and Louis Axcell - who have represented England at Futsal, and throughout our squad there is a great deal of quality and experience of small sided football that we hope will lead us to a successful tournament."

The teams will compete for the prestigious title and a place in the UEFA Futsal Cup competition. The event is due to take place at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield, on 22 and 23 July. Admission to any of the games is free.

Brian Green, manager for Doncaster, said: "We are looking forward to this year’s competition, and are hoping to lift the cup once more. This weekend will provide the team with much needed match practice for their forthcoming UEFA competition."

Following Doncaster’s outstanding performances last year, five players were selected for an England trial, with John Atkinson securing a place within the squad. He now has seven caps.

Futsal is well supported and the County FA and its partners are working hard at developing the game and helping to raise the standards of players, coaches and referees.

James Hope-Gill, the Chief Executive of the County FA, said: "As a county we are heavily involved in the development and promotion of Futsal. Our Futsal school and club programme was recently recognised by The FA as the best in the country.

"As hosts, on behalf of the FA we stage the annual National Futsal Championships, it is a credit to everyone involved that The FA continue to stage the National Futsal Finals here in Sheffield."




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