Flying start in the top tier for futsal team

Futsal is a five-a-side variation of football developed in Uruguay in the 1930s, played with a smaller, weighted ball on a hard court.

It has been played by the likes of Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne and Lionel Messi and is often credited with developing players’ comfort with the ball due to its fast pace and focus on technical ability.

Eastbourne-based Sussex Futsal Club played their first fixture as a member of the FA Futsal Super League, the country’s top-tier, on October 7, beating FC Salisbury United by five goals to nil to take all three points.

Their goals were scored by Australian duo Tobias Seeto, who netted twice, and man-of-the match Jarrod Basger, who bagged a hat-trick.

Jimmy Elford, the team’s captain, said: “It was a strong start to the season but there are certainly areas for improvement, but this will come with games together and there is a motivation from the group to learn and improve.

“We have worked harder than anyone to get promoted to the Super League so to be here is a big achievement in itself.”

The club were promoted after winning the country’s second division, Division 1 South, for the past three seasons.

Promotion to the Super League is not just based on a team’s performance, but also looks at factors such as fanbase, club structure and home venue.

After missing out in 2016 and 2017, the team were accepted into the top flight for the 2018-2019 season.

Following this promotion, the club have made many additions to their squad with six

players making their debuts on Sunday.

Sussex Futsal Club will now travel to face in-form Oxford City Lions on Sunday, with the home team currently placed second in the table after winning their first three games.

Sussex sit in fifth position with six points less than their opponents, but have played two fewer games.

They will, however, be without England International futsal player Doug Reed for the match as he has travelled with the England squad to take on Spain in Sevill today.