England could one day produce players of the calibre of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if organisations like the Manchester Futsal Club continue to prosper.
The game that honed the skills of the two greatest footballers in the modern era is thriving in Manchester, as club chairman Simon Wright will testify.
Manchester’s first team will this weekend represent England at the Street Football Grand Finals in Vietnam and this is testament to the club, according to Wright.
“I think it’s a reflection on us and what we’ve been doing to promote the game in this country,” said Wright.
Having been formed just seven years ago the club has transformed, now boasting an under 18’s team as well as four development centres for eight to twelve year olds across Manchester.
The club also runs a recreational league consisting of eight teams and the chairman is currently working towards setting up a women’s team as well.
“It’s a very technical and enjoyable game and its gathering pace in this country,” said Wright.
Futsal is a five-a-side version of football which uses a smaller ball that bounces less, placing emphasis on technical proficiency and individual skill.
Given the England national football team’s distinct lack of such players, futsal could prove pivotal if English footballers are to ever buck this trend.
“Futsal is certainly a tool which can be used to help players become more technically efficient,” added Wright.
“It helps players become confident in possession and (become) willing to take the ball under pressure.
“It gives players confidence to engage opponents one-on-one, but it is also a team-orientated game. It is based around possession, so team shape and tactical awareness are also very important.
“When you watch Barcelona and Spain and the possession-game they play, you can see their pattern and shape that has been brought out through futsal.”
It seems that a successful futsal team and a successful football team go hand-in-hand as Spain are currently ranked number one in both the FIFA World Rankings and the Futsal World Rankings.
England are presently a modest 82nd in the world at futsal but Wright expects that to change in the future.
“I can only see it (futsal) growing in the next few years because most teams are moving towards this possession-style of play,” he said.
To find out more about the Manchester Futsal Club and how to get involved visit http://www.manchesterfutsal.com/.
Image courtesy of Manchester Futsal Club, with thanks.
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