Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Club News

FUTSAL TEAM WIN NATIONAL TITLE

7 July 2014

Club News

FUTSAL TEAM WIN NATIONAL TITLE

7 July 2014

It's not just the Iron's first team who have enjoyed glory this year.



Our futsal C team, ran by the Scunthorpe United Sports and Education Trust, won the League 3 National Title two weeks ago, seeing off reigning champions Cardiff City.

The Iron edged out the Bluebirds in the final at the Birmingham Arena after an entertaining day’s futsal which featured eighteen of the top sides from the third tier of the FLT Futsal League.

"We played against teams who competed in the top four of their C Division around the country," explained the SUFC Trust's futsal co-ordinator Gav Cooper.
 
"There were four groups of five, and the lads did really well all day.

"Going into it, I knew the lads had a good chance. They have competed at a high level and done really well.

"They beat all the teams apart from one, which was Bristol City, which was the last game of the group when we knew we had already qualified for the quarter-finals.

"The next round saw us beat Derby 2-0, and quite convincingly.

"The semi-final saw us take on a physical and tall Crystal Palace team, but the lads came out on top winning 2-1.

"We then advanced to the final to take on Cardiff City, who were reigning champions at that level.

"They are one of the founder members of the Futsal leagues and they are strong, and have a group of 12 compared to our eight.

"When you get to that stage of a competition, legs count too.

"The lads did really well though and we swiftly went 2-0 up. Cardiff nicked one back and there was late pressure but the lads stood firm and picked up the trophy.

"We're incredibly proud of the lads and what they achieved this year.

"That is not only that group, but all the lads on the course.

"Their attitude in training, and their work ethic, has been superb. They have all wanted to give 100 per cent and that's what it's about.

"It's a big team effort and everyone has contributed to the success of the C team."

He added: "We have lost our second years now, so one member of the C Team has left - who is Matty Steeper. He has been called up to play for England North so we're proud of what he's achieved and he has represented the club really well.

"They are all going on to different things. Four of them will be joining our foundation group, which will see them coach with us and get a degree as well.

"The experience to go along with the degree will help them massively when they have finished university."

Gav was on his honeymoon when the tournament happened, but Wayne (Bamber) Johnson stepped in to take charge of the players on the day.

"I'd like to thank Bambs," Gav added.

"His role within the Futsal is as a teacher, and it's nice he could go because he gets the best out of them in the classroom and also has enough coaching experience to step up and do the job.

"Futsal is a little different to football but the lads helped Bambs by using their experience of the different disciplines."

So what does the future hold for the SUFC Trust's futsal scheme then?

"We don't just want to leave it here. The majority of them lads have another year with us and will likely represent the A team," Gav continued.

"We want to qualify for the Soccer AM Cup and finish as high up the table as possible.

"It would be great to achieve something nationally at A Level.

"We still have a couple of spots left for this year's scholarship so if anybody wants to get involved, please email communityfootball@hotmail.com."

Advertisement block

iFollow Next Match Tickets Account