The BUCS Sunderland’s Futsal team head into the holiday break after a very bittersweet first half of the season. The University’s futsal team currently find themselves bottom of the Northern Tier 3 league table, despite strong performances throughout the season.
In a recent interview, the team’s coach, Tony Loftus said: “The team is starting to perform now and gel nicely together. Knowing this would be a difficult start to the season due to a new team and getting to understand the sport and our tactics the team are starting to perform and play futsal and not five a side. There is still a lot of room for improvement but we have the right attitude within the squad and commitment is being shown.”
During the first half of the league campaign, Sunderland have had some amazing victories and also lined up a Round of 16 clash against Manchester in the cup.
This however has been overshadowed by inconsistency throughout the season as the side adapts to a new style of play.
Loftus said: “I think the inconsistency is due to some players having a lack of understanding as to what futsal was at the very beginning and just thinking this is football or five a side, but then realising there is a big difference.
“I am wanting the team to play actual futsal and enjoy the sport for what it is with rotations and different styles of play, so knowing this takes time over the start of the season.
“Plus, this is a full brand-new squad with only two players from last season still being within the squad and having to reform. As you have also stated there have been some huge wins for us and this proves that they can actually play futsal.”
Ahead of the second half of the season and the round of 16 clash against Manchester Loftus said: “I am pushing for the team to go on a cup run and believe that we can achieve a mid-table finish. We can challenge anyone on our day with our strong squad,” before adding: “We need to look at the rotations of the players between the BUCS 1st team and also the NFS squad, (National Futsal Series), which at times is a little difficult but looking at the 2nd half of the season we have full strength squads for the round robins.”
