Manchester Futsal Club would be hugely honoured to be named the city’s Club of the Year, according to their chairman.
The side face stiff competition from Didsbury Cricket Club and Wythenshawe Sports Club in the Manchester City Council 2014 Sports Awards.
The winner is set to be announced on Saturday October 11 and chairman Simon Wright feels this demonstrates that the club are moving in the right direction.
“We have had a fantastic year, probably our best ever on the court. It takes a lot to win a league title and to reach national finals,” he said.
“Manchester is a huge sporting city and the awards will showcase how sport development should remain at the very heart of what this city stands for.
“We remain committed to making Manchester a ‘Home of Futsal’ and the leading club in the country,” he added.
The 2013/14 National Futsal League North Champions were established nine years ago and their growth during that period has been impressive.
NATIONAL LEAGUE: @MFC_Futsal vs @SheffFCFutsal is always a big game with great entertainment. Purchase tickets now! pic.twitter.com/4alfl960o4
— Manchester Futsal (@MFC_Futsal) October 9, 2014
The establishment of a Youth Development Centre has seen more than 120 children aged between eight and twelve play futsal each week in the last 18 months alone.
The youth camps are looking to establish a futsal legacy in Manchester and help children develop skills that they can also transfer to football.
The move from football to futsal is one that a number of women have made in the last 12 months after the creation of Manchester Futsal Women’s Club.
Prior to this there were no provisions for women to play futsal in the city and Wright is delighted that the club were able to pioneer this venture.
“The uptake and feedback has been phenomenal. What’s more important is that we are engaging with women and now they are back playing with a smile on their faces,” he said.
“Our youth training camps provide a fun way for kids of all ages and abilities to come and enjoy an introduction to futsal.
“Our sport and the club are now coming into the spotlight and it is a really great feeling to finally see that,” he added.
Alongside the ‘Club of the Year’ award there are a number of other prizes, including the ‘Unsung Hero in Sport’ and ‘Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year’.
The star-studded event at the Hilton Hotel recognises the thriving community sports scene in Manchester and the hard work of clubs’ coaches, officials and volunteers.
Main image courtesy of Manchester Futsal via YouTube, with thanks.
