Player pathway well and truly open
Three of the clubs brightest young talents were selected to attend the FAs North West regional Futsal Centre of Excellence on Sunday 3rd November 2013. The trio headed down to Manchester to compete against some of the regions most talented youngsters.
For Liam Conley and Lewis Hunter the experience wasn’t new.
Lewis was selected last year to captain the England U18 side for the North having impressed in the regional trials. Carlisle Futsal Club coach Al Tindall told the official CFC website;
“Lewis is an exciting prospect. Fortunately for us Lewis chose to study at the University of Cumbria this year which has meant we have been able to sign him. This time last year he was a Liverpool Futsal Club player so it’s fantastic for us to have him in our squad. He has got great ability and also has a first class attitude. ”
Goalkeeper Liam Conley was selected last year on the recommendation of England Goalkeeper coach and Carlisle Futsal Club Ambassador Tony Elliott. Liam spent time with some of the country’s top coaches and the same experience this year will only aid his development. Al Tindall added;
“Liam has shown in the local Futsal leagues the attributes which have got him selected. Futsal goalkeeping isn’t the same as football goalkeeping although there are obvious transferable skills. Liams distribution and shot stopping are his biggest assets along with his temperament. We are excited to see how he develops. ”
For Luke Miller the trials were a new experience. But this was an opportunity that was thoroughly deserved. Luke has played Futsal in the local Carlisle leagues for the last 12 months, regularly finishing at the top of the goal scoring charts. Off the court he has been instrumental in getting the academy section of the club set up and is keen to learn and pass on all of his knowledge to the boys in his 10-13 year old academy class which runs on a Sunday afternoon at the University of Cumbria. Al Tindall said of Luke;
“Luke is a real character and is one of those that you love having involved in the playing squad. He is technically very good and is well suited to Futsal, hopefully he will have impressed sufficiently because in the right environment he will develop quickly.”
All three players will discover how well they have done over the next few weeks once the selectors have had chance to confer.
