Loughborough Futsal v York City Futsal

It’s a big weekend for York City Futsal as they commence their Super League programme by visiting Loughborough on Sunday afternoon, with a 1.00pm kick-off at the Sir David Wallace Sports Hall.

Following a second consecutive Division Two North title in March, York were finally granted a well-deserved promotion into a newly launched top-flight national league boasting the current best dozen clubs in the country.

City head coach Junior Roberti recently stated it would therefore rather be a case of achieving stability and consolidation this time around, although most people in the game were of the firm belief his side should already have been playing at that higher level, such was their dominance at the lower grade.

During the summer months, master tactician Roberti has notably strengthened his options by recruiting Junior Cavalcante (Petrarca C5), Jorge Sagradas (London International), Sergio Bueno (CD La Mata), Vesko Konov (Virtus Fondi) and Wlad de Paula (Virtus Fondi).

Meanwhile, key performers such as England international Robbie Bettson, Miguel De Vicente, Daniel Pedras and Fabinho Almeida have all been retained; Oliver Toseland also returning to the club, and Academy products Michael Bulmer and Joe Iggulden both stepping up.


Photo: Ian Parker

Key performer Daniel Pedras re-signed for York during the summer

Newcomers York certainly have the ability to do well and could even challenge the leading positions, that’s according to The Daily Futsal, who write: “It will be an interesting campaign for York, with many excited to see the side test itself to its full capabilities, having played for 2 seasons in a division that they often looked too good for.

“There may be concerns over how quickly the team can adapt to the country’s best teams, if everything comes together it would not be surprising to see York challenge the Top 4.”

For their part, top-flight regulars Loughborough finished third in Super League North last season while winning seven of their twelve games.

Elsewhere the opening weekend of the campaign includes: Reading Escolla v Genesis, Cambridge United v Birmingham, London Helvecia v Manchester and FC Salisbury United v Tranmere Rovers.


Photo: York City Futsal