Courtesy: Mancunian Matters


Manchester Futsal Club hope City in the Community partnership sparks a futsal evolution

by Oliver Rhodes

October 3, 2012

Following their newly formed partnership with City in the Community, MM spoke with Manchester Futsal Club to discuss its importance, Maicon’s attendance and futsal itself.

The Brazilian fullback attended Gorton’s Wright Robinson College to overlook the new collaboration between City in the Community and Manchester Futsal Club last week.

With Manchester Futsal Club aiming to boost promotion of their sport, Maicon’s presence is likely to positively attract attention.

Perhaps futsal is rather unknown, but Chris Wildgoose – Manchester Futsal Club Head of Media – hopes the joint venture will significantly boost the sport’s reputation.

He told MM: “The partnership between Manchester Futsal Club and City in the Community is crucial to raise awareness of futsal.

“Obviously, it is a relatively new sport in the UK, and we’re still a long way behind leading countries such as Brazil and Spain.

“But hopefully the affiliation with Manchester City will really help give futsal a huge boost in Manchester and the surrounding areas.”

City in the Community also awarded Manchester Futsal Club the Connell Award – a prize designed to recognise outstanding contribution to urban sport in East Manchester – and Chris described such recognition as ‘amazing’.

Attending as a special guest, Manchester City’s Maicon played some futsal with the star-struck club members.

Regarding the Brazilian superstar, Chris said: “To have a Serie A and Champions League winner promote not only the sport but our training camps can only be a positive thing.

“It’s not every day you get to meet a Brazilian international footballer, and the kids who were there looked over the moon.”

Working together, Manchester Futsal Club and City in the Community intend to introduce a futsal programme in 20 schools across Manchester, at primary and secondary level.

“Pupils can expect futsal coaching from our qualified coaches and our aim is to deliver the Manchester Club philosophy,” Chris added.

“Kids will have the chance to really express themselves and we are hoping to give them confidence on the ball and develop their technique.”

In particular, ball technique continues to generate discussion, especially with the acknowledgement of FC Barcelona and Spain.

Talking about the relationship between technical skill and futsal, Chris explained: “Modern day greats like Lionel Messi, Xavi and Robinho all claim they wouldn’t be the players they are today without futsal.

“The main benefits of the sport are possession retention and spatial awareness and, if you look at the way Barcelona play, the effects can be devastating.”

However, Chris stressed that futsal and football should combine to aid the progression of both respective sports.

“The sports should not be separated and unrelated because one is played outside and the other inside, they should both be celebrated and recognised as equals,” he said.

Despite the desire to watch futsal evolve greatly, Chris recognises that the project is long-term.

“Futsal can be huge in the UK,” he added. “It’s all about getting people involved – which is exactly what we are trying to achieve.

“But we are still at a very early stage and like anything it is going to take time before it really kicks off.

“Our main focus is to raise awareness for the sport.”






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com