Sion Kitson names England Futsal Lionesses squad for historic first-ever home fixtures

The Lionesses will play Slovakia, 45th in FIFA’s world rankings, in two landmark international friendlies at Loughborough University next week, signifying another huge step forward for the development of the women’s game in England.

Just a matter of weeks after an impressive unbeaten campaign in the 2027 UEFA Women’s Futsal Euro qualifiers, our Lionesses return home from Lithuania to play their first-ever international fixtures in front of a home crowd next week, Thursday 9th and Friday 10th April, at Loughborough University’s Sir David Wallace Sports Hall.

We are excited and grateful to welcome Slovakia to our shores, as they face us in two international friendly fixtures and share in a piece of history for women’s futsal.

England Futsal extends a warm thank you to everyone involved from team Slovakia for making these fixtures happen and their commitment to developing the game.

England Head Coach, Sion Kitson, said:

“These first ever home fixtures marks a significant milestone for England Women’s Futsal — not just as a historic occasion, but as an opportunity to show how far the group has come. Coming agonisingly close to qualifying for the Euro 2027 elite round last month has only strengthened the squad’s belief and hunger to keep progressing. There’s a real sense of momentum within the team, and the opportunity to perform on home soil, in front of a supportive crowd, is something the players are incredibly proud of.

This match is about more than the result; it’s a chance to showcase the growth, resilience, and quality that has been building within the performance programme against elite round opposition in Slovakia. The players are eager to express themselves, represent the badge with pride, and inspire the next generation.”

Following on from the positive performance and runners-up finish in Group B last month, which included a 4-0 win against hosts Lithuania, a 1-1 draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina and a 0-0 draw with Serbia, the Lionesses squad remains unchanged for these landmark fixtures against Slovakia.

THE SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Alicia Grimmond - London Helvecia Ladies

Joy Lowe - Bolton Futsal Club

FIXES

Kate McGreavy - Bloomsbury Futsal Club

Emma Tune (C) - London Helvecia Ladies

Rebecca Foster - Bolton Futsal Club

WINGERS

Lailah Booth - Bolton Futsal Club

Sophie Harvey - Bloomsbury Futsal Club

Kerry Walklett - Bloomsbury Futsal Club

Ali Miller - Bloomsbury Futsal Club

Kirstie Kural - Bolton Futsal Club

Charlotte Gurr - London Helvecia Ladies

PIVOTS

Bekah Tonks - Southampton Aztecs

Jade Grove - Southampton Aztecs

Laura Tobin - Bolton Futsal Club

COACHING STAFF

Sion Kitson - Head Coach

Paige Shorten - Assistant Coach

Joe Ryan - Assistant Coach

COME AND SUPPORT THE LIONESSES COURTSIDE

For the first-time ever, we are proud to be able to welcome the futsal community and beyond to come and be part of our Lionesses’ journey and watch the team in the flesh at Loughborough, as part of International Futsal Week.

There are still limited tickets available for both fixtures next week:

England vs Slovakia - Thursday 9th April - 14:00 KO - Tickets

England vs Slovakia - Friday 10th April - 11:00 KO - Tickets

Doors for all fixtures open 60 mins before kick-off

We cannot wait to welcome you as we come together for this special moment in the continued development and rise of women’s futsal. Don’t miss it.