Before this season a York team had never won a BUCS Premier Division, let alone reached a national semi-final. Thus it was a historic and monumental day for York’s men’s futsal side earlier this year when they were crowned Northern Premier Division champions.
Their journey has not ended there, and since then they have progressed through to the semi-finals, where this Sunday they will face Brighton. In the last 16 the side were far from their best, but crept past Leicester 8-7 courtesy of a last minute Ash Daly winner, and after a shaky start they cruised through their quarter-final encounter against Middlesex, prevailing 10-5.
Both of these matches were played in the familiarity of the tent, where York received vociferous support, but this weekend the tables will be turned as York make the long trip down to the South coast to play a side who knocked out the much fancied Derby 1sts in the previous round.
Regardless of what happens it has already been a magical journey for the side, and one which has helped to put York on the sporting map, as a university capable of competing with the leading sporting institutions in the country. Ahead of the contest York Captain Tom Day told Vision: “It has been an amazing experience so far, the best of my sporting career. A fairytale that we don’t want to end. We will give it our absolute all.”
So far all of York’s clashes have either been at home or involved trips in the North of England, but this weekend they face a 273 mile, four and a half hour trek to the South coast. When I asked how he thought the journey would affect his team, Day (pictured below) answered: “We are travelling the day before, training there on the Saturday and then staying the night. This will be a good experience for the lads. The only thing we will be missing is the York crowd, the sixth man. They have been terrific.”
The professional approach adopted by the side should stand them in good stead, and the combination of that, their dedication to training, and passion for the game provides them with the attributes to be successful against Brighton.
Regarding the tactics that his side plans to adopt, Day remarked: “Tactically we will continue with the same approach. One thing we need to remember, mentally, is to keep our heads. Throughout the competition we have shown great character and team spirit. As long as we stay together we can overcome anything that is thrown at us.”
Such a positive attitude is reflective of the style of football the team plays, as they move the ball around crisply and have demonstrated an ability to dominate their opponents. The experience of Day and Club President Dom Hallas will be crucial, whilst Alex Tringham has arguably been York’s standout player in their run so far.
Indeed the squad will consist of the same nine players who have taken York this far, and the side will be accompanied by their coach Juniho. Day told Vision: “I have full confidence in the lads and I believe our unity and desire will see us through.”
The talented captain finished by adding: “Thank you to all who have supported us on this incredible journey.” Indeed it has been an amazing adventure for the side so far in this year’s competition, and one that will hopefully not end in Brighton this Sunday. The contest is arguably the most important in York’s sporting history, and the winner will meet the indomitable force that is Loughborough in the final, after the side from the East Midlands demolished Bath 8-3 in the other semi-final.