At the end of September, English FA made an abrupt decision to cut funding to its futsal program. FutsalFeed has been covering this story and reactions of it since. We are glad to report that this issue gained some meaningful momentum since our last update.
One of the reasons that FA put forward as an explanation for abruptly ending their futsal program is that it does not help improve footballing perspective in the country.
However, in a short time futsal program has been part of the FA development scheme, one futsal player made it big on the biggest professional football scene in the world. Maximilian Kilman, former England's Futsal National Team player with 25 caps, started to shine for Wolverhampton Wanderers in English Premier League.
Although we at FutsalFeed emphasized that futsal should be used as a development tool for football in a limited capacity (because it has to grow as its own sport!), it is quite obvious that futsal helped develop a Premier League player which just shows how devastating the FA's decision could be for development of both sports in the country!
This was all highlighted in an article published by skysports.com, which also includes discussion with three England's Futsal National Team members on the issue. We recommend that you read it. Kilman himself joined the action to save futsal in England after he made his feelings about this matter public on his Twitter.
Disappointed to see funding being stopped for all England futsal teams. I’ve had some memorable experiences being part of the England squad growing up and it’s sad to see that others won’t be able to experience the same. https://t.co/l604qzl0do
— Maximilian Kilman (@maxkilman) October 26, 2020
Max Kilman’s rise puts the spotlight on the FA decision to cut futsal funding — and they should be embarrassed by it.
— Adam Bate (@ghostgoal) October 26, 2020
England team not even training at St George’s Park for a crucial playoff. Spoke to the players of a game feeling abandoned. https://t.co/3rGxqSvuq8
He was not the only football player to react, as Chelsea's Emerson Palmieri, Italian international, also joined the discussion. It is safe to assume that Chelsea's Brazilian-born defender had close ties to futsal growing up. Nevertheless, it is nice to see even footballers joining the cause.
I’m surprised with The FA’s decision to stop all England Futsal Teams. I’m sad for the kids who dreamed to play futsal for their country. Sign this petition and help the sport I grew up playing to survive. #FutsalForAll @savefutsal @raonimedina9 👇🏼https://t.co/yuR5z5y98F
— Emerson Palmieri (@emersonpalmieri) October 21, 2020
We mentioned in an earlier article that this cut in funding was also devastating for England's Women's futsal as well. "Establishment of competitive England's Women's Futsal Team" was envisaged in FA's 2018 Futsal Strategy. Despite receiving excellent reactions at the time, these funding cuts mean that FA gave up on creation of Women's Futsal Team, which is a terrible perspective for young girls and women throughout England who dream to represent their country on the futsal court.
Therefore, Leanne Skarratt and Emma Tune, captains of Manchester Futsal Club's Women's Team and London Helvecia Ladies Futsal Team respectively, wrote a letter to Mark Bullingham, FA's CEO and to Baroness Sue Campbell reminding them to FA's commitment from 2018!
We strongly recommend that you read these letters.
These 2 powerful letters written by @LeanneSkarratt8 & @EmmaTune4 deserve answers from the senior management in the @fa. They have been completely let down. Is inclusion a core value that drives strategy within the FA or just a token gesture for publicity campaigns? #FutsalForAll pic.twitter.com/ub26arQQRr
— Doug Reed (@DougReedFutsal) October 23, 2020
That's it for this time's news roundup in regard to English struggle to save futsal. Once again, we remind you to sign the petition to Save Futsal in England! Lets raise awareness about this problem together!
Learn more about the topic:
>>> Raising Awareness to Problems of English Futsal
>>> Dismal Situation of English Futsal Continues
>>> Doug Reed: Futsal is a fantastic game - it will grow with or without the FA's involvement
>>> Unsecure Future of Futsal in England