Source: TheFA.com

Jack-William Cantwell looks ahead to the return of the National Futsal League

The FA National Futsal League returns this weekend with a host of exciting fixtures up and down the country.

As the 120-day wait for the futsal season draws to a close, the teams have been busy all summer preparing squads for pre-season friendlies and drawing up squad lists for the new campaign. Now in its seventh year, this season promises to be the most competitive yet.

On average, a futsal player will touch the ball around 200% more than an average 11-a-side player - the games are lively and never fail to deliver on drama.

The 2013/14 season brings with it a host of new teams, players, restructures and rival clubs with scores to settle from some keenly fought contests last term.

After missing out on penalties in the final of the Super League, Helvecia will be keen to begin positively in a bid to reclaim the title their lost last season to Baku Utd - who toppled their lengthy reign as English futsal champions.

Team Bath have changed their structure and now operate under the name University of Bath Futsal, and with newly formed Bath Futsal Club entering the Midlands Division 2 the teams will be chomping at the bit to play one another should either side achieve promotion or suffer relegation.

The University of Bath team, however, will be setting their sights on qualifying for the Grand Finals. Despite winning the Midlands Division 1 title last time out, they were ousted in their group by London United and Middlesbrough.

In the northern section, Sheffield will be looking to retain their title as divisional champions, but with Manchester and Middlesbrough snapping at their heels, the sectors will be closely contested.

For the first time in the history of the competition a second tier has been added to the National League to each of its North, South & Midlands leagues.

This is testament to the progression the game has made, especially at university level with York, Nottingham and Gloucester all fielding teams ready to compete at elite level.

The quest for promotion and ultimately the wider acclaim of competing in the top divisions will be fiercely contested, and teams such the University of Plymouth - who won the Midlands Division 2 title - will have to carry on the same desire and determination that saw them achieve promotion in order to give them a chance of survival in the top tier.

Personally, I cannot wait...





FP Staff --> info@futsalplanet.com