Manchester Futsal Club, the reigning champions of England, have achieved a significant milestone by qualifying for the UEFA Futsal Champions League. This achievement marks a proud moment for the club and the city of Manchester, as they prepare to host a round of the prestigious competition for the first time.
Yesterday, representatives from Manchester Futsal Club attended the UEFA Futsal Champions League draw at UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The event was not just about determining the fixtures but also served as an opportunity to connect with other top clubs from across Europe.
The draw resulted in Manchester Futsal Club being grouped with teams from Turkey, the Netherlands, and Armenia. The matches are scheduled to take place in Manchester from August 22nd to 25th.
Hosting the round is a historic achievement, as no English club has ever hosted a UEFA Futsal Champions League round before. Laurent Morel, Senior Manager at UEFA Futsal, expressed his delight at this development: “It's been a pleasant surprise that Manchester has put themselves forward to host. This event will undoubtedly elevate the profile of futsal in England."
The club's co-founder, Ilya Ovechkin, shared his excitement about both the draw and the opportunity to host: “It’s been a great experience to be in the UEFA Futsal Champions League. Hosting the event in Manchester is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work we’ve put into building this club. We’re proud that our young players, who have come through our academy, will get to represent Manchester on such a prestigious stage.”
Simon Wright, Co-founder and CEO of Manchester Futsal Club, highlighted the significance of this moment: “This is a special moment to embrace our arrival into European club futsal. As English champions, we are honored to have been selected to host the UEFA Futsal Champions League in Manchester in August. This opportunity showcases the progress we have made and underscores our commitment to the sport.”
Sam Richardson, the head coach of Manchester Futsal Club’s first team, also reflected on the experience in Nyon and the upcoming challenges: “It’s going to be a challenge for our players, but it’s also a learning curve. Regardless of the outcomes, we will gain valuable insights into our team’s capabilities and areas for improvement. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Manchester in August.”
The anticipation is building as the club prepares to host the event, which promises to be a landmark occasion for futsal in England. Fans and supporters are eagerly awaiting the matches, hopeful that Manchester Futsal Club will make a strong impression in their UEFA Futsal Champions League debut.
As the date approaches, the club is working tirelessly to ensure everything is in place for a successful and memorable event. The local community is also gearing up to support their team, with the hope that Manchester Futsal Club will not only showcase their talent but also promote the growth of futsal in the region.
Match Day 1: Wednesday 22nd August 2024
Match Day 2: Thursday 23rd August 2024
Match Day 3: Sunday 25th August 2024
Venue: The National Cycling Centre, Stuart St, Manchester M11 4DQ
Tickets: Information will be released soon!
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