Brookes Futsal face Brookes Football

The recently formed Brookes Futsal squad played Brookes Football on a day described as “the biggest in Futsal history”.

Fighting Fuzzy Duck hangovers the players attempted to tie their laces and motivate themselves for the first ever face-off between Brookes Football and Brookes Futsal.

Futsal is a South-American twist on traditional soccer, smaller indoor pitches, five players and a smaller heavier ball. The game favours the technically gifted and has helped produce stars such as Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.

Tarvo Kunz, Futsal squad member said: “Back home in Estonia the winters are very cold so we play Futsal inside. When I saw that a team had started at Brookes I was very happy.”

Third year student Charlie Sole is the brain behind bringing the sport to Brookes: “Spending time in Brazil I fell in love with Futsal. I was very keen to better establish it here at Brookes.”

Three matches took place on the day. The Futsal 3^rd team defeated a makeshift OBUFC team at the Temple Cowley gym, quickly followed by another defeat for the Brookes Football by the Futsal 2^nd team.

“Having hosted Fuzzy Ducks last night, we’re not feeling our best. It’s hard to adjust to the changes, especially when the other team are taking it so seriously!” said James Baker, Brookes Footballer.

The main event of the day took place at the Sports Centre, the grudge match between a confident Futsal 1st team and an angry Football team.

The cocky Futsal boys were silenced early when OBUFC took the lead. A Futsal equaliser sometime after set the tone for a frenetic first half that ended with Futsal 5-3 up. A calmer, more quality second half followed but Futsal came out 9-7 winners.

The Futsal Team celebrate victory

Ex-Premier League legend, Linvoy Primus, fresh from speaking at The Christian Life Centre (RIP The Regal), presented the awards to the winning teams.

Linvoy Primus (left) with Charlie Sole (right)

“I think Futsal is a great way of getting more people into football. It allows you to develop technically without the pressures of immediate physicality. I’m glad I could come along and lend my support.” said Primus.

Brookes Football were accused of not taking the day seriously enough. But perhaps next time, on a more fitting day, a more even competition could be held.

Thanks to Alan Deng for photos.

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