Funding is latest development for UCLan Grassroots Hub
The Lancashire Football Association (FA) has backed the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in its bid to establish women’s futsal as a competitive sport at the University.
UCLan’s Grassroots Hub, which was established in 2013 when the University teamed up with the Lancashire FA, has been given £750 from the organisation to set up a women’s futsal team that will compete in the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) League.
Futsal is a variation of football that is played indoors on a smaller pitch with five players on each side. The new team will build on the Hub’s existing success of working with local community groups to run events and establish teams to increase football participation in the local community, particularly in underrepresented groups.
UCLan Football Development Officer Cian McEvoy said: “This is the latest exciting development to come out of the Grassroots Hub. Our aim is to develop a women’s futsal team and provide them with equipment, kit and secure long-term existence as a club and platform for students. This team will represent the University in the very competitive BUCS League.”
The support is part of the FA’s Game plan for Growth to double female participation in football by 2020.
Football Development Officer Nick Birchall said: “We are pleased to be supporting UCLan in developing this new ladies’ futsal team. Futsal provision across the county is growing at a fast rate and it is great to see UCLan offering futsal to its students, ensuring there are opportunities for players to continue playing whilst studying.”