Rotherham United Futsal Scholarship reach the Final of the U18's National Futsal Championship in Leeds.
After an early start on Saturday 16th March, a squad of 10 Futsal players from the Rotherham United Futsal Scholarship travelled to the U18’s National Championships (Northern Section) held at the UK Futsal arena in Leeds.Having only played Futsal for 6 months through the NEW Futsal scholarship, delivered by the Rotherham United Community Sports Trust Education Academy, Rotherham United entered a squad for mainly the experience and the challenge of playing against the top Regional teams. But the squad exceeded all expectations on the day and reached the Final!
The squad played some of the best counter attacking Futsal of the tournament, whilst defending with confidence and compactness. In order to get to the Final, Rotherham United Futsal squad had to beat some very accomplished and organised Futsal teams.
The squad:
1. Jay Ford
2. Joseph Briggs
3. Hussein Salem
4. Bradley Blamires
5. Daniel Sidall
6. Kasey Scott
7. Connor Green
8. Daniel Hoades
9. Alex Nightingale
10. Mused Salem
The route to the final:
1st Leg:
1. RUFC v Manchester Futsal Club – 4 - 1 (Goals from Mused, Hussein, Siddall and an OG from Briggs)
2. RUFC V Sheffield FC – 6 - 2 (Goals from Briggs, Nightingale, a hat trick from Hussein and a OG from Sheffield)
2nd Leg:
1. Manchester Futsal Club v RUFC – 5 - 7 (Goals from Blamires x2, Green, Hussein and a hat trick from Mused)
2. Sheffield FC v RUFC – 5 - 8 (Goals from Blamires, another hat trick from Mused and four goals for Hussein sealed the victory)
The Final:
The final was against Mysercough College, who had been rampant throughout the tournament with high scoring and ferocious attacking play, beating all teams very convincingly. Unfortunately, this led to an abrupt end of the tournament for the Rotherham United Futsal Scholarship.
RUFC v Mysercough College – 0 - 15
Head Coach Chris Kirby commented on the overall performance of the squad by saying:
“We came here today with no expectations and probably as the under-dog, with the squad gaining a very valuable experience of playing in such a prestigious tournament.
“We will now look to build on this experience to make sure we continue to improve and develop as a team ready for the next tournament away at Wolves on the 27th March, after a well earned rest having played 200 minutes of Futsal throughout the day.”
RUFC top goal scorers:
1. Hussein Salem – 9 goals
2. Mused Salem – 6 goals
3. Bradley Blamires – 3 goals
Head of Education at the RUCST Mark Wilkinson said: “I am extremely proud of the whole squad for their approach to the tournament, within the classroom and on the training pitch.
“As a team, their mature and professional attitude throughout the day has represented Rotherham United Football Club in a very positive light. The lads should be very proud of their achievements today and use this to progress in the future.”
Rotherham United Education Academy – now recruiting for September 2013
Are you aged 16-18 and looking for the next challenge!? Do you love sport!?
If the answer is YES, then contact the Rotherham United Education Academy on the details below and find out what options we have for YOU! Let us help you achieve your goals.
Why not get involved in our Futsal Scholarship course next year? Put on the red and white of the Millers’ Futsal squad and gain a Level 3 BTEC in Sport while you’re at it!
Check all the information for our courses at: http://www.themillers.co.uk/news/article/education-academy-open-days-683242.aspx
Contact Mark Wilkinson on:
Mobile: 07506 722 899
Email: education@rotherhamunited.net