FA National Futsal Leagues Grand Finals 2010

Monday 5 July 2010

The Grand Finals are the culmination of a long hard season that started in January for the 23 clubs in the FA National Futsal Leagues. These Leagues are split into three divisions – the Northern, Midlands and Southern Leagues. The top two teams from these three leagues at the end of the season progress to the Grand Finals for a battle royale to determine who has the right to declare themselves FA National Champions. The winning club not only gets the bragging rights but also receives an attractive amount of prize money along with the opportunity to represent England in the UEFA Futsal Cup – the Champions League of Futsal!

The FA National Futsal League Grand Finals will see six thrilling play-off matches take place on the Saturday 10 July, starting from 10:00 a.m. and not finishing until 8:30 p.m. The Grand Final will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday 11 July, with an exhibition match occurring beforehand at 11:00 a.m. showcasing some of the top youth futsal in the country. Come along and get a flavour of what futsal is all about – entrance for spectators is free.

Simon Walker, FA National Manager for Small Sided Football, comments: “Futsal is rapidly growing in England, the pace, energy and skill create an exciting spectacle for both the teams involved and those watching. The FA National Futsal League Grand Finals is the pinnacle of the Futsal season – and will be an outstanding exhibition of top-level English Futsal. We are delighted to bring such a prestigious event to Surrey for the first-time and we are sure that it will encourage people in this area to get involved with Futsal.”

Pete Sturgess, Head Coach of the England National Futsal Team, comments: “One of the critical factors in the recent success and progress of the England National Futsal team has been the development of the FA National Futsal Leagues. The establishment of these leagues has given the opportunity for players to play regular futsal of an ever increasing standard and intensity, this is crucial to the development of the game in this country and subsequently, the National side. The Grand Finals are a chance for players to play against the best futsal players in the country and stake a claim for a place in the England team.”

Jason Harborow, Chief Executive Surrey Sports Park, comments: “We are delighted to be hosting the FA National Futsal League Grand Finals here at Surrey Sports Park. Futsal is an exciting and growing sport, and the event is a great chance for people in Guildford and Surrey to experience Futsal for the first time.”

Editors' Notes

What is Futsal?

Futsal is FIFA and UEFA's recognised format of 5-a-side football and in recent years has been embraced by The Football Association. FIFA claims that it is the fastest growing indoor sport in the world, and is immensely popular outside of the Auk. Futsal has played an important role in the technical development of some of the world’s leading football players; Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kaka, Xavi, Ronaldinho to name just a few all played futsal as they grew up and developed into world beaters. The FA is keen to harness the benefits of this game and introduce it to benefit the technical development of English young players. Futsal is being played widely in schools, colleges and universities across the country, and The FA has established the FA National Futsal League and an England senior men’s futsal team that plays in European and World Cups. The FA National Futsal League has been running for three years.

Futsal is a format of 5-a-side football that is played indoors with a smaller, heavier ball. The game is played to pitch lines and hockey-sized goals, which helps to encourage improved decision making and technical skill in the players.

Media Enquiries

Peter La, Press Office at the University of Surrey, Tel: +44 (0)1483 689191, or Email mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk