Exeter City FC

The Football League Trust Education & Futsal programme (FLT Futsal) is set to feature on Sky Sports’ Soccer AM throughout the season, as they go behind the scenes with the students, and present highlights from a new 2013/14 cup competition, which kicks off on 25th September.

Rob Wakeling, Soccer AM’s Executive Producer, said: “The skills and tricks involved in Futsal are a perfect fit for Soccer AM.  The tournament is set to be an exciting addition to the show this season.”

The two-year scholarship offers 16-18 year olds the chance to find passes on and off the pitch at Football League clubs across the country, as they learn, train, play and work:

LEARN: Study towards a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (worth up to 3 A-Levels)

TRAIN: Regular Futsal coaching to develop technical, tactical and physical ability

PLAY: Represent Exeter City in the Football League Trust Futsal League

WORK: Open the door to university courses and careers in the sports industry

If you have four A-C grade GCSEs including English and Maths or a BTEC Level 2, then you are eligible for this pioneering educational experience.  Those who just missed out on the grades will still be considered  If you have already enrolled on a college course, it’s not too late to switch to FLT Futsal either. 

John Relish, FLT Futsal Manager, said: “It’s an exciting educational programme, with a real energy.  If you’ve a passion for football and a desire to progress to university or work in sport, but don’t think a regular college course is for you, then FLT Futsal is the perfect solution.  The online platform offers paperless learning at the club, allowing students to escape the mundane classroom.

“If you love playing football, then you’ll love playing futsal.  It’s not every day you get to represent a pro club, and what’s more you might grab a goal on TV this season.” 

You can see an example of the programme in action at Exeter City below.

The world’s fastest growing indoor sport, which showcases close ball skills, increased touches, quick decision-making, creativity and tactical nous.  The five-a-side game uses hockey-sized goals and a heavier size four ball with 30% less bounce and is the only officially recognised form of indoor football accepted by UEFA and FIFA.

Set to become a future Olympic Sport, the free flowing game was played by football stars as juniors, including Zidane, Xavi, Messi, Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo, who stated: “Futsal will always be my first love.”

As the students advance academically, The FL Trust Futsal League ensures they develop athletically too. Clubs compete in regional divisions every Wednesday, between September and June, producing derby clashes every bit as passionate as their 11-aside counterparts. At Exeter City you will get the chance to take on local rivals, such as Plymouth Argyle.

You can see Group 2 highlights from the FLTFL League 1 National Finals below.

Fixtures are played in @Futsal’s state-of-the-art arenas across the country, including Birmingham, Europe’s largest futsal venue, which plays host to the National Finals.  Regional champions and high finishers qualify for the July event.

Last season saw debutants Leeds United crowned League 1 National Champions, as they defeated 2012 winners Reading in the final – highlights are below. 

A sensational FLT Futsal season beckons, with over 50 Football League and Premier League clubs preparing for the 2013/14 league and new cup competition, set for Saturday morning TV screens.

FLT Futsal is proving a driving force in the game’s UK growth, as a foundation for players to go further.  Future stars continue to emerge, with many players catching the England scouts’ eyes.  Frequent call-ups to England development squads are a testament to the programme’s production of talent.

If you still need convincing, come and check out the FLT Futsal Launch Festival, a friendly warm-up competition to celebrate the new season’s arrival.  The action will take place on Wednesday 11 September at Swindon Futsal Arena.