Carlisle Futsal Club compete in international tournament

A Cumbrian futsal side stamped their mark on the international game after finishing as runners up in a European tournament in Spain.

Carlisle Futsal Club, who were formed in 2012, travelled to Blanes for a U16s tournament which tested their talents against opposition from Spain, Italy and France.

Despite a tricky start, with two defeats from two, the Cumbrians recovered well and qualified for the quarter-finals.

After a penalty shootout victory in the final eight, they triumphed 5-2 against Club Aguirre in the semis to earn their spot in the final, against French outfit Rocbaron.

Head coach Alan Tindall said: "The Spanish kids all play futsal in clubs and in school, it is a totally different culture to what we have here. They are all advanced tactically, it is an experience for our boys to play against them. There are no teams round here, we have to travel round England just to get games, and even then they don't have much of a background.

"It was a really great atmosphere, we got through the group and a penalty shootout. On reflection, we should have won the final, but they were a bit cleverer and more experienced. But it was a fantastic experience and the social side of it was great as well."

The U16s were out there as preparation and their progression into the men's side, which is launching again this season after being 'wiped out' by the pandemic, having won promotion in the year before lockdown hit.

Alan was in awe of the facilities available in Spain, but admitted that England is never likely to reach that level without significant investment from the FA.

He said: "The facilities are unbelievable out there. They have arenas with seating, and four full-sized adult courts that are purpose built for futsal. We don't have anything in the UK like that. Our lads are playing once a twice a week if we are lucky, there is a big difference in what you can teach them. It's a totally different game, we just try and do the best we can with the time we've got."