England goalkeeper Joe Hart has a pretty good idea as to what makes the ultimate 5-a-side team, and players from Manchester have their chance to prove their worth thanks to the Gillette Flexball Cup.
The Gillette Flexball Cup is a nationwide 5-a-side football tournament offering players the chance to watch the world’s most famous club fixture, El Clasico, as Barcelona and Real Madrid do battle.
The tournament, which begins on April 19, is set to feature some 800 teams across 46 Powerleague centres nationwide, with the semi-finals taking place in Manchester and Wembley, before the finalists return to the latter on June 13.
There is still time for teams to enter with Manchester Central and South Powerleague’s events taking place on Sunday April 26 and on top of having an incredible prize to play for director of marketing at Powerleague James Price insists the chance to play 5-a-side is one football fanatics shouldn’t pass up.
“The Gillette Flexball Cup, with 800 teams, is going to be one of the largest 5-a-side competitions that has every happened so we’re really excited to be hosting it,” said Price.
“The grand prize is a trip to El Clasico. It’s a money-can’t-buy prize with all expenses paid out there in Spain and the winners get to experience possibly the best football match in the world.
“The format we have is lots of short games so there is plenty of opportunity for some upsets there and it’s suitable for all teams of all standards and experience.
“Teams should get involved in the Gillette Flexball Cup because of the fantastic prizes on offer but also because it’s a real chance for teams of all abilities and experiences who are finishing 11-a-side to come down and find out what 5-a-side is about.”
To be crowned the UK’s best team in the shadows of Wembley stadium there is no doubt sides will need to have the perfect formula for the 5-a-side format.
Gillette have offered up a blueprint for prospective players with teams encouraged to ensure the roles of a shot-stopper, an anchor, two gamebreakers and a sharpshooter are appropriately filled.
But England and Manchester City no.1 Hart believes a strong goalkeeper and frontman will prove crucial if your team are to go all the way.
“I see it every week that the quality of your keeper separates the promising teams from the great ones,” said Hart.
“You can put the best players in the world on the pitch but if you have someone useless in goal, you’ll never win a game, let alone a cup.
“If you also have a real finisher in your team then it’s invaluable. The game is so fast-paced that you have to be clinical in tucking away your chances and if you do that then you can build an imposing lead quite quickly and really put the pressure on the opposition.”
The Gillette Flexball Cup is taking place at Powerleague centres across the country to find the UK’s best 5-a-side team, with the winners receiving a trip to El Clasico. For more information and to see the full Terms & Conditions go to powerleague.co.uk
