Story added: 14th January 2016

At the midway point of the season, it’s been a story of success both on and off the pitch for scholars on the Community Sports Foundation’s (CSF) Futsal Scholarship programme.

On the pitch, Norwich City’s teams, who compete in the Football League Trust Futsal League, have been in sparkling form.

The Norwich City A team are currently unbeaten, having notched up seven straight victories in a row.

Standout results include a 10-1 drubbing of Chelsea and a 4-0 victory over Southampton. Remarkably, given the small-sided nature of the sport, the team have conceded just five goals all season.

Their success has been mirrored by both the B & C teams, who are both atop their respective divisions, while Norwich City D, playing in League 3 alongside the C team, are in fourth place.

Marc Campbell, CSF Futsal Coordinator, is delighted with the start his teams have made.

“The teams are playing some really exciting futsal at the moment. Results last year, given it was our first season, were phenomenal but we’ve stepped it up again this season.

“The arrival of some talented first-year scholars and an increased competition for places has meant that everyone is working really hard in training and it is paying off on the pitch.”

He is confident that the team will make a stronger push for silverware this season, after the team fell just short last year, losing to rivals Southampton at the National quarterfinals in Birmingham.

“There’s obviously a number of strong sides out there – Grimsby Town, Bristol City and last year’s winners Reading have all started well in their respective regional divisions, but we are certainly considered one of the favourites at this stage.”

As well as their five-star performances on the pitch, CSF Futsal Tutor Danny Self is pleased with the efforts of scholars in the classroom.

“The boys have been embracing all the fantastic additional opportunities that come associated with studying at the Club. The course isn’t just about gaining a BTEC qualification at the end, it’s about the experience – and the lads have really been making the most of it.”

Alongside their studies, the scholars have been able to boost their CV by volunteering at CSF programmes and events and, for the second year scholars, work has begun on their FA Level-2 coaching badge qualifications.

Additionally, an anti-racism workshop hosted by Kick it Out with special guests Nathan Redmond and Andre Wisdom, plus talks from former Canary legends Adam Drury, Dean Ashton & Adrian Forbes has given the scholars a fascinating insight into the professional game.

Some of the more unusual extra-curricular activities that the scholars have taken part in include a workshop examining ‘fear’ (complete with a number of large live snakes and reptiles!); and many have also had the chance to be CSF’s mascot Sportasaurus on Norwich City match days.

With two new 11-a-side football programmes starting this year – the East NorfolkElite Football Programme, and the Norwich City Elite Football Development Programme in partnership with Easton & Otley College – plus an expanded Futsal programme provision, over 180 scholars aged between 16-18 will be able to study at Norwich City Football Club from September 2016.

To find out more about CSF’s range of educational programmes, please contact CSF Curriculum Manager Stevie Bramble on 01603 761122 or email [email protected].

Standings, results and statistics: Football League Trust Futsal League