All-conquering Vics eye league and cup double

Jun 13 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

WHILE the eyes of the footballing world may be watching the action in Switzerland and Austria, a team from Wirral is fast making a name for themselves back in England.

Having won the Cheshire County FA’s Futsal League for the fifth year in succession, Tranmere Victoria, are now sitting atop the FA National League while also set to take their skills on tour to Portugal.

The Upton-based club, which formed 15 year ago and has competed in 10 different countries, playing 400 matches along the way, is now playing in the first full Football Association National League.

Running from March to September, teams compete in a North, Midlands and Southern conference with the top two teams from each going through to a play off finals at the end of September.

And with a 100% record from their opening six games, Vics are well on the way to adding to their many accolades as they head the Northern section.

Following on from their impressive 4-1 win against Sheffield at Chester’s Northgate Arena, Vics are set to play their nearest rivals, Manchester – who are behind Vics on goal difference – on Sunday (kick off 3.30pm).

And the club will be aiming for a league and cup double next month when they compete in the FA Futsal Cup Finals in Sheffield on July 4-6 as they attempt to go one better than their third-placed finish in the previous two years.

Coach Neil Thompson said: “It is exciting times at the club – everything is going so well.

“However, we are always looking to expand and recruit new players with strong technical ability.

“Futsal would be a great next step for academy players released from football clubs. “At present, we are particularly keen to find a new goalkeeper, so we’re encouraging people to get involved.”

More excitement for the club comes in the shape of their post-season tour, having been invited to compete in a top-flight tournament in Portugal in September where they will come up against teams such as Benfica and Sporting Lisbon.

Meanwhile the club’s women’s team have been awarded the FA Charter Standard Futsal Club and been awarded a grant from Awards for All. Team manager Becky Corran said: “The grant will assist in helping to increase the participation and development of Futsal for female players in the region.

“The women’s team train weekly and are more than happy to accept new, enthusiastic players into the squad. We are always on the look out for players – any women and girls over the age of 16 who would like to try Futsal for free in some taster sessions being run by the club, are invited along.”

For further details contact becky@tranmerefutsal.com

Tranmere’s match against Manchester tomorrow is at the Northgate Arena in Chester, 3:30pm. All welcome, £2 entry for adults, children free.