Courtesy: Sportsbyte Sunderland


Sunderland can learn from rivals in Futsal

Futsal in Sunderland is still relatively new, however, 25 miles down the road in Teesside it’s a completely different story.

Despite the rivalry that might exist between the two teams on a football pitch, Middlesbrough Futsal Club can really help futsal in Sunderland progress.

Since being formed five-years-ago, Middlesbrough have won many trophies, including the FA Futsal League North in 2009 and travelling across Europe to play some of the best teams.

Coach Damon Shaw also helped form the University team at Sunderland that play in the BUCS league on a Wednesday, and that team will hope to emulate the success of their Teesside counterparts.

On Sunday, Middlesbrough host last year’s champions Manchester, knowing that a win will put them back amongst the top contenders in the FA National Futsal League North.

Boro looked like they got their season back on track, with wins over Hull and Liverpool after suffering defeat in their opening game of the season. However, a surprise defeat to Leeds & Wakefield leaves the team needing a good result this weekend to maintain their title push.

However the reigning champions from the North-West will prove a tough battle as Manchester boast a strong squad including England international Stuart Cook.

However, Boro can take confidence going into the match after two good performances against their visitors last term, winning in empathic fashion with a 5-0 win in Manchester and only being denied victory in the dying seconds at Thornaby Pavilion.

Shaw knows his side will have to be at their best in order to get a result today.

“Manchester are the best team in the North over the last couple of seasons and will be coming to Thornaby in confident mood,” he said.

“The games are always close but we’ll need a top class performance to make up for the defeat away in Leeds last time out.

“They’ve only lost three games in the last three seasons. It’s a fantastic record. They are favourites for the league title and favourites for Sunday, but we’ve never let that get in our way. We’ll put up a good fight and hopefully we can nick something.”

There is a great opportunity for Sunderland and Middlesbrough to develop a strong connection and help improve Futsal in Wearside, so why not get down and watch the game, which kicks off at 2pm on Sunday at Thornaby Pavilion.






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