The Academy will give all sports and public services students studying at the Salisbury campus, a unique opportunity to develop their knowledge and ability, playing and coaching futsal, as well as having access to some of the best facilities within the South of England. Futsal is a version of indoor football, played with a smaller ball with an emphasis on skill and technique.
To celebrate the partnership, the College hosted a Futsal tournament for current students at Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre on Wednesday 27th March and Principal Amanda Burnside and Pezzaz Sports Ltd Director Perry Cocking put pen to paper to cement the deal before the final match.
Amanda said: “We are really excited by this new partnership with FC Salisbury United and the opportunity it opens up for students to engage in this fast growing sport which is a great development tool for learning football techniques and skills as well as a great sport in its own right.”
Perry said: “Offering an educational pathway and the chance to play Futsal whilst studying has been something we have wanted to do for a long time.
“Our development pathway is now complete from two years of age at Mini Kickz right through to the age of 18 and even university.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved who has helped to make this happen.”
Those joining the Futsal Academy in September will benefit from technical and tactical training sessions twice a week and weekly matches.
In addition to this, students will also access a full strength and conditioning programme and the chance to play for mens and womens’ team in the ECFA South West Futsal League, the FA People’s Cup and National Cup competition.
Those students hoping to progress further will have the chance to represent FC Salisbury United at either development team or Super League level and high performing individuals will also have the opportunity to attend England College’s trials and reflect their performances through the Sports mast video analysis programme used before and after matches to enhance their performances.
Dan Racey, Deputy Head of Department for Health & Life Sciences, at the College said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our football and futsal players to train with a national super league coach and get a fantastic education.
“It is also a fantastic opportunity for the students work with and alongside local businesses which could offer future employment opportunities.”
