Scholars primed for 2016/17 season start versus Norwich City FC.
National League
With the return of the EFL National Futsal League this week, all scholars on community foundation’s Futsal scholarship programme are all ready and raring to go as they will represent Peterborough United Football Club after a hard working pre-season under coaches Michael Johnson and Callum Avent.
After a strong end to last season, Posh A will be targeting for the league trophy and again a National Finals place. They kicked-off their campaign against rivals Norwich City A, last season title winners, at the Birmingham International Futsal Arena on Wednesday. The game finished 4-2 to the canaries, with Nassunculo scoring both goals for the Posh in what was a very close game, a typical derby match!
Coach Michael Johnson is very pleased with the strength of his side this year, and feels they have a great chance of success this year. He feels that there were a lot of positives to take from the game into training preparing for the next fixture.
Posh B are also targeting the trophy this year as well as a National’s Final place come the end of the 2016/17 season. With Coach Callum Avent entering his second season with Posh B, he is even keener to get his hands on silverware. First up for Avent and his side was Norwich B, in which they went 2-0 up through Jacquite, Ltaief, but Norwich managed to pull 2 back before Danko managed to find the net to make it 3-2 to the Posh. The game ended 5-3 to Norwich, Avent felt that this didn’t reflect the team’s performance and that they ultimately deserved the win.
Following a league restructure from the end of last season, both Peterborough sides are playing in the Midlands Division for the 2016/17 season.
Opponents will include the likes of Leicester City, Stoke City, Wolves and Mansfield
Development League
Posh have made a good start also in the EFL Development League, with Posh Team 1 (C) and Posh Team 2 (D) both making solid starts to their campaigns. Posh C (W1 D1 L1) made a good start against hard teams such as Southampton, Cambridge and Chelsea. Posh D (W2 D0 L1) made a stronger start as they beat Chelsea and Southampton, and only just losing to another Southampton side. Both teams played very good futsal, and have made a promising start to what could be a successful season for both sides.
Over the course of the season, the Futsal scholars will have the opportunity to compete in the EFL National Futsal League, EFL Development League and the Kinder Cup, also with the possibility of competing in the National Finals providing the Posh have a strong season.
The squads this year are stronger than ever, following the arrival of 17 First year scholars, including the late arrivals of Findley and Barker. All scholars have been working hard to adapt to the sport of Futsal, and are working hard in the gym on fitness and core strength, along with other components of their physical sides.
Futsal Manager Michael Johnson said: “The amount of hard work and dedication already shown from the boys across all of our national league and development league sides has been phenomenal so far, they’ve been working really hard in and out of training to ensure they are ready for a challenging and hopefully rewarding season. We have added some good talented players with great potential this season and as a club we are confident for success in the season ahead - we can't wait to get out there on Wednesday and show other teams what we are made of!”
The Futsal Scholarship programme gives scholars the chance to complete a 2-year BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport alongside the intense futsal programme. The scholars also gain the experience of being in and around a professional football club and also with the first team.
Midlands Division 1: Norwich City A, Leicester City, Mansfield Town, Peterborough United A, Stoke City A, Wolves
Midlands Division 2: Norwich City B, Birmingham City, Burton Albion, Cambridge United, Peterborough United B, Stoke City B
Keep up to date with the boys’ progress this season by following;
• @theposhfutsal on Twitter
• theposhfutsal on Instagram
• The Posh Futsal Team- Facebook
• https://www.efltrustfutsal.co.uk/club/peterborough-united/squad - The official EFLT Trust Futsal Website
On Thursday 13th October Nene Park Academy are holding their sixth form open evening from 5.45-8pm, this will be an evening for any interested players of any age to hear and look around the facilities of our scholarship. We will have a stand in Room B25 with the tutors of the BTEC L3 in Sport. This will be to provide information around the education with teachers being able to answer any questions player may have along; both coaches Michael Johnson and Callum Avent will be in attendance.
To find out more about the Futsal programme, or if you are interested in trial dates contact - Michael.johnson@theposh.com