Lions Set Sights on FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028 Qualification
The England Futsal Men’s Team is set to embark on its FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028 qualification campaign in 2026, following The FA’s approval for England Futsal to enter a senior men’s team into the qualifiers. This milestone marks another exciting chapter in the rapid growth and development of futsal across the nation.
After returning to international competition last year — following a five-year absence — the Lions now prepare to continue their journey underpinned by their Pride DNA philosophy.
Head of Development and Technical, Siôn Kitson commented on the announcement:
“This is an incredibly exciting milestone for England Futsal, and receiving the backing of the FA reflects the progress we made last season. The chance to compete in FIFA World Cup qualifying is a landmark moment for our players, staff, and the entire futsal community. This campaign represents more than just competition — it’s a powerful symbol of England’s growing commitment to the development of futsal.
The players are eager to test themselves at the highest level after returning to international action last season. Through our Performance Programme, the squad is evolving with an exciting wave of young players emerging with the talent, discipline, and togetherness to achieve even more history for our nation.”
This campaign provides England Futsal with the opportunity to showcase its progress and compete among the world’s futsal elite. The draw for the UEFA qualification stage of the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2028 will take place on December 12th, determining England’s opponents. The World Cup Finals are scheduled for October 2028, with the host nation yet to be confirmed.
Lionesses Prepare for UEFA Women’s Futsal Euro 2027 Qualification
England Futsal is proud to announce that The FA has approved the entry of the England Futsal Lionesses into the UEFA Women’s Futsal Euro 2027 — a major milestone in the continued growth of women’s futsal across the nation. Only 12 months ago, England Futsal established the Lionesses who went on to represent England for the first time in the 2026 FIFA Futsal World Cup, participating in UEFA Qualifiers in Moldova. There, the Lionesses marked their debut with a series of historic moments — including their first-ever victory against the host nation.
As the women’s game continues to flourish at both grassroots and elite levels, England Futsal have been entrusted by the FA once again to support the Lionesses to step onto the continental stage with ambition, unity, and belief. This qualification campaign presents an incredible opportunity for the Lionesses to establish itself among Europe’s futsal elite.
Head of Development & Technical, Sion Kitson, shared his thoughts on the announcement:
“I’m really excited that the Lionesses will be returning to the international stage in March 2026. This represents a fantastic opportunity for our players and staff to build on last season. Preparations are already underway through our Performance Programme, and now is the time for this playing group to realise their potential.
The Lionesses are ready to test themselves once again at the highest level. It’s time for the talent, spirit, and determination within this squad to achieve something truly special — and inspire the next generation of Futsal Lionesses on the way.”
The draw for the Main Round Qualification takes place on December 12th, with the Lionesses eagerly awaiting to discover their opponents. The finals will be held in March 2027 in Croatia. Further information about the UEFA Women’s Futsal Euro 2027 can be found via this LINK.
Exciting Developments for England Futsal: New Website Launch and Community Expansion
It all begins with an idea.
England Futsal is proud to announce two major milestones that mark the next step in growing and strengthening the futsal community across the country.
A New Website for a More Connected Community
We’re thrilled to unveil our brand-new website, designed to make communication with the futsal community easier, faster, and more engaging than ever before.
The new platform will serve as a central hub for everything futsal: from the latest news and events, to resources for clubs, players, coaches, and fans.
With a modern design and an improved navigation, it reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, accessibility, and collaboration.
This upgrade isn’t just about technology, it’s about people.
Our goal is to give the futsal community the tools and information needed to stay connected, informed, and inspired.
Join Us in Building the Future of Futsal
These initiatives mark an exciting new chapter for England Futsal, one defined by openness, collaboration, and shared purpose. We invite everyone in the futsal community to explore the new website, stay tuned for further updates, and get involved in the journey ahead.
Together, we can continue to grow the game we love.
Futsal In England Enters A New Era With C.I.C Launch
It all begins with an idea.
ENGLAND FUTSAL GROUP
PRESS RELEASE
England Futsal Ltd. has launched a new Community Interest Company (CIC) — a not-for-profit organisation designed to safeguard the future of the sport and ensure it continues to grow for the benefit of players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and communities across England. This new entity (England Futsal Community C.I.C., a social enterprise limited by guarantee, with an asset lock to a Charitable Foundation) will form part of the England Futsal Group operated by England Futsal Ltd, who will remain custodians of the contract & license from the FA until the end of the initial 5-year term.
A CIC is a special type of company which is purpose-led, has to report against its social purpose annually, and that exists solely to serve the community. For the England Futsal Group, this means that all activities and any surplus generated can be reinvested into developing the game, removing barriers to participation, and creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy futsal. Having the C.I.C. nested as part of a broader Group allows us to safeguard public funding from the Football Association (and hopefully in the future other public monies) whilst remaining agile to maximise any commercial opportunities to fund the growth of the Game, deliver Camps and innovative projects, and operate National teams.
What this means for the community
The new C.I.C. is committed to ensuring futsal is accessible and inclusive for everyone — with a particular focus on (these are a direct extract from the governing documents approved by Companies House in October 2025):
Children and young people, especially in schools and education settings, where futsal supports confidence, attainment, and wellbeing.
Women and girls, ethnically diverse communities, and people from low-income backgrounds, who often face the greatest barriers to taking part in sport.
Volunteers, coaches, referees, and clubs, who will be supported with training, mentoring, and tools to reduce admin burdens and strengthen local delivery.
Football players who want to use futsal to sharpen their technical skills in a safe and exciting environment.
Benefits will include improved physical and mental health, personal growth through skills such as teamwork and leadership, and stronger community connections through inclusive, local activity. All surpluses will be used to subsidise programmes for those hardest to reach, ensuring no one is left behind.
Who’s leading the C.I.C.
The new CIC will be initially chaired by Stephen Mitchell, who brings a wealth of experience in sports governance and leading community-focused organisations. Mitch currently oversees a portfolio of businesses operating across sport and physical activity, including his consultancy business Sporting People Ltd,. He also co-founded Sport for Confidence CIC, a multi-award-winning organisation which supports people who face barriers to participation. He is a recognised thought leader across workforce development in the Sport and Physical Activity sector, and brings significant purposeful experiences from Chairing or leading other regulated organisations including the Omnia Foundation and Transcend Awards, and is also a Trustee of two charitable foundations.
Other company Directors who have been appointed at company start up are Sion Kitson and Beth Jenkinson-Garner. The ambition is for up to 8 Company Directors to be appointed in this first 12 months, including representation from the Community (up to 3), but also up to three Independent Directors who have ambitions and skills to be part of a modern and ambitious Sports NgB, and one which will be built using the framework from the Code of Sports Governance from inception.
Day-to-day leadership will be provided by Sion Kitson, who continues as Head of Development and Technical. Sion has been involved in futsal since 2004 as both a player and coach, representing Wales internationally and coaching England’s youth and senior teams. Alongside professional roles with The FA, Sport England, and England Hockey, Sion has dedicated his career to using sport to unlock potential in young people and to grow futsal opportunities across the country.
In their own words
Stephen Mitchell, Chair of England Futsal Community C.I.C., said:
“Launching this CIC is an important step forward for futsal in England. It gives us the structure and safeguards we need to ensure the sport is run to the highest standards of good governance, with the community’s voice at the heart of decision-making. We want players, coaches, referees, clubs, and volunteers to know that futsal’s future will be shaped with them, for them.”
Sion Kitson, Ex Officio Exec Director of England Futsal Community C.I.C., added:
“This is about creating real, practical opportunities on the ground. Whether it’s more schools offering futsal, more clubs being supported, or more young people able to dream of representing England — the CIC gives us the platform to make it happen. I’m excited to work with the community to turn this vision into reality.”
Get involved
As part of its new structure, the CIC will appoint Community Directors from across the futsal landscape to ensure all voices are represented at board level. These directors will be recruited through England Futsal’s existing governance commissions and combine their expertise with Independent Directors recruited for their specific skills to support the business to drive forward (e.g. legal, financial, digital…). This means that in order to apply for a Community Director role applicants will first need to be approved commission members.
The Football Association have also asked the England Futsal Group to lead and administer the recruitment process for the FA Council ‘futsal’ seat which will also open at the same time, run concurrently, close in the Spring, and be ratified by the National Game Board for appointment to Council in the 2026/7 season.
Whilst the window for applying to be part of the existing England Futsal commissions for this next cycle has passed, in order to ensure an open process we will be re-opening the window for a short time to allow those who may be newly excited, curious & motivated about our journey to step forward.
To find out more information regarding our Commissions as well as the place to apply please visit the following LINK. Applications are open today, Monday 3rd November 2025, and will close at 5pm on Monday 10th November.
Commissions Application Supporting documentation: