England Futsal and Southampton Solent University Launch Groundbreaking Research Partnership to Advance Futsal in England

The partnership will drive innovation in coach education, performance analysis and applied research across the sport

Image Credit: Sian Horn (IG @shotbysian_)

As the European Futsal Championship kicks off today (21 January 2026), England Futsal Community C.I.C. is proud to announce a new partnership with Southampton Solent University that will drive innovation in coach education, performance analysis, and applied research across the sport.

This collaboration is a key part of England Futsal’s long-term vision to create a more connected, evidence-led system that supports both grassroots development and the national performance pathway. By joining forces with Southampton Solent University, England Futsal is integrating world-class research expertise with the practical demands of elite performance and coach development.

Researchers and academics from Southampton Solent University are already working alongside England Futsal’s Performance Pathway staff, ensuring that cutting-edge insights directly inform coaching practice. The partnership also contributes to the international futsal research community, supporting a forthcoming Special Issue of Football Studies, Understanding the Physical, Technical, and Tactical Demands of Elite Futsal Tournaments.

Head of Development & Technical at England Futsal, Sion Kitson, said:

“This partnership with Southampton Solent University marks an exciting step forward for English futsal. It allows us to embed research, coach education, and performance insights into our programmes, ensuring our approach is informed by evidence and aligned with the demands of the international game.

“Working with Solent helps us connect the wider futsal community with our national performance pathway, supporting coaches and players with clarity, consistency, and long-term development at every level.”

Dr Nuno Nunes, Senior Lecturer in Football Coaching at Southampton Solent University, added:

“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to bring world-leading research into the elite futsal environment, while providing our students with meaningful, applied experience.

“By aligning our teaching, research, and coach education with national and UEFA priorities, we are proud to be supporting the growth and future of futsal in England and beyond.”

A central focus of the partnership is developing the next generation of futsal researchers and practitioners, creating a sustainable pipeline of expertise to support the continued growth of the sport.

Looking ahead, England Futsal and Southampton Solent University will expand the partnership through a range of projects, including research into coaches’ perceptions of key development needs, performance analysis of major international tournaments such as the UEFA Futsal EURO and FIFA Futsal World Cup, and observational studies of elite coaches’ offensive training practices.

You can also read about the partnership here on Southampton Solent University’s website.