English expectation gathers pace

By Greg Demetriou

With the 2003 UEFA Futsal Cup final upon us, the attentions of the Futsal world are focused once again on the continent's best club sides.

Final repeat
In a repeat of last year's competition decider, Action 21 Charleroi of Belgium will meet holders Playas de Castellón of Spain in the two-legged final on 16 April and 3 May. It could have been an all-Spanish affair - reiterating that nation's dominance of the sport - but Interviú Boomerang lost their place to Charleroi by virtue of fielding an ineligible player during the second qualifying round.

Hope offered
Nevertheless Charleroi's feat in reaching a second straight final is to be lauded and their success offers hope to the less established countries. While the likes of Spain and Ukraine pave the way, Futsal's future lies in continued development in the rest of Europe.

Far and wide
In England, Futsal is relatively unknown. However, one team is more than doing its bit to help the English catch up. Tranmere Victoria FC, founded 25 years ago, have been building up an impressive reputation that has travelled far and wide.

British champions
Although England has no league or national side yet, Tranmere Victoria have shown a willingness in recent years to travel to raise their profile. Then, in 2002, the Merseyside team - who have players from across the country - took part in a British Isles Futsal Cup, beating the national teams of the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Nothern Ireland

Iranian honour
The real highlight followed in October when the national team of Iran, a country with an exceptional Futsal pedigree, became the first international team to play in England. The Iranians triumphed 20-3 but, while it was a heavy defeat, the Vics preferred to concentrate on the positives, as proved by their ability to attract such opposition.

Lot to learn
"It is awesome to see things happening so quickly," said club secretary Neil Thompson. "We have been putting in the framework for some time. We are not a bad side but we know we have got a lot to learn."

Still rising
For a team made up of semi-professionals including accountants, IT consultants and students, the club's rise to European prominence despite their limited domestic exposure has truly been astonishing. Indeed, already this year they have played top Italian side Furpile Prato, losing 2-0, and were beaten just 2-1 by the Finnish national team.

Way forward
"It is great to raise the profile of the game in England," Thompson added. "Futsal is the only way to play five-a-side in Europe." The club, which is part-funded by sponsors and is always on the hunt for new backers, tries to get together at least twice a month, although as Thompson acknowledges "it is difficult".

FA support
Crucially, the English Football Association has now given its full backing to Tranmere Victoria's efforts and has endorsed their hope of taking part in the 2003/04 UEFA Futsal Cup. If all goes well, the English contenders could be lining up against a Charleroi or Castellón in Europe's top competition for club sides.

New competition
Dermot Collins, the FA manager for small-sided football, revealed the association is supporting a regional competition in the summer that will produce a definitive national champion. Five-a-side football has always been huge in England but, for Collins, Futsal is the way forward.

Plenty of enthusiasm
He said: "Five-a-side is largely just seen as recreational football. If we can introduce Futsal, it allows us to take teams into Europe and the world. It allows us to go somewhere." Collins, who described the Iranian fixture as "a persuasive case for the game", added: "Futsal people are coming out of the woodwork all over the place. All are enthusiastic and want to get involved."