Press release by Middlesbrough Futsal Club


FA UMBRO Futsal Cup 2007 Draw

Middlesbrough Futsal Club today learnt who their opponents will be in the FA UMBRO Futsal Cup finals 2007. The draw took place at Soho Square and included defending champions FC White Bear, last years’ runners-up Baltic United and the two losing semi finalists of 2006, Tranmere Victoria and Ipswich Wolves. Other teams of note were Sheffield Stormers and Kickers, qualifying from the FPL North and South respectively. Vaughan’s, Nichol Magpies and Ravenous Taverners have all experienced the FA Futsal Cup in previous years and will also be ones to look out for.

The finals take place from 6th – 8th July at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield and is a 16-team tournament. The 16 teams are split into four groups of four, with the top two progressing to the quarterfinals. The winners of the competition are crowned English Champions and will go on to be England’s representatives in the UEFA Futsal Cup.

Standing in the way of Boro in Group C will be Vaughan’s, Chippenham Futsal Club and last year’s runners-up Baltic United.

The draw in full:

Group A
Kickers
Nichol Magpies
Futsal Preston
London White Bear

Group B
Pot Belly FC
Tranmere Victoria
Birmingham Tigers
Four Star

Group C
Middlesbrough Futsal Club
Vaughan’s FC
Chippenham
Baltic United

Group D
Rav Taverners
London Brazil
Ipswich Wolves
Sheffield Stormers


Asked about the draw, Chairman and Manager Damon Shaw was upbeat.

“We have avoided White Bear and Ipswich, probably the two top teams at the moment, but at the same time we have Baltic United, two times runners-up, who will be a very difficult opponent.

“It’s a very competitive tournament with each group containing 3 or even 4 good teams, the rest are unknown to me and could still prove to be a surprise package. Every game is going to be tough but I am confident I have a squad strong enough to beat anybody on our day.”

Damon Shaw has chosen a provisional squad, which he has to cut to 14 for the finals. The squad is: C. Holmes, D. Herbert, R. McGowan, R. Burgess, B. Mortlock, B. Everson, L. Armes, B. Amos, X. Sala, C. Gaube, R. Leyshon, N. Hamblin, S. Whigham, D. Docherty, D. Fryer and M. Wootton.

Boro’s opening two games are against Vaughan’s FC and Chippenham FC on Friday 6th July. Saturday sees Boro finish the group against Baltic United with the quarterfinal of either the Cup or the Plate taking place on Saturday evening. The semis and final of both are on Sunday 8th July.

Keep on checking BoroFutsal.co.uk for more on the build up to the FA Futsal Cup, including previews of all our opponents and some key player profiles.



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