Courtesy: The FA.com

The Futsal contenders

Wednesday, 04 July 2007

The FA Umbro Futsal Cup
Final Tournament
Friday 6 - Sunday 8 July 2007
English Institute of Sport, Sheffield

With The FA Umbro Futsal Cup Finals just days away we bring you the highlights from last season's competition, and a look into the sides that are eager to take White Bear's crown away.

This year’s Finals give a good indication of the steady growth of the game of Futsal in England. The introduction of a women’s tournament and the expansion of the youth competition to eight categories is a welcome sign that the word of Futsal is beginning to spread.

The men’s competition this year should be closely contested with the 16 Finalists emerging from 42 qualifying leagues and two play-off rounds. Once again London White Bear are the team to beat and warmed up for the Finals with a 7–1 victory over an FA select team.

White Bear await news of their draw in the UEFA Futsal Cup where they are desperate to progress to the later rounds to test themselves against the professional teams of Europe. Ipswich Wolves reached the Semi-Finals at their first attempt last year and have come back stronger having won the highly competitive Southern Premier League.

Tranmere Victoria were once regarded as the de facto England team but have struggled to impose themselves on this competition. Baltic FC, twice defeated FA Futsal Cup finalists, are the last of the top seeded teams and will hope that form and fitness will not desert them once again at the final hurdle.

A team that many will wish to avoid are Vaughan’s – FA Plate winners a year ago. They are back with a squad largely made up of present or former England internationals.

Futsal is considered to embody the best elements of Brazilian football, and Kickers and London Brazil United will hope to display those skills to bring them the trophy for the first time.

England’s Futsal heartland of Sheffield is well represented this weekend with Pot Belly, Ravenous Taverners and Sheffield Stormers. Nichol Magpies reached last year’s Plate Final and will once again be dependent on the quick feet of Paul Goodhand to score most of their goals.

One of the big surprises of the qualification process were first-timers Birmingham Tigers and strong performances are expected of them, while Chippenham Futsal Club, flying the flag for the west of England, came through two qualifying rounds against strong opposition.

Another indication of the growth of Futsal has been the introduction of a British University Futsal Championship, of which the winners, Middlesbrough Futsal Club, draws its members from the University of Teesside. Preston won their place in Sheffield with a last minute free-kick to give them a 5-4 victory over Manchester Maccabi.

Following the withdrawal of Lowestoft Town from the Finals due to injury and unavailability of players, a wild card place was given to Essex based Four Star who impressed as they finished runners-up in a tough London Qualifying competition




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