Futsal Partnership Newcastle will replace Team Sunderland in FA National Futsal Series, Men’s Tier 2 North.
England Futsal can today confirm that, following a decision by the League Management Committee and member clubs, Futsal Partnership Newcastle will replace Team Sunderland in the FA National Futsal Series Men’s Tier 2 North.
Everyone at England Futsal would like to welcome Futsal Partnership Newcastle into the FA National Futsal Series, and thank Team Sunderland for their collaboration in the process and their participation in the league over the last 6 years.
Team Sunderland had initially entered the National Futsal Series under the University of Sunderland banner but, in October, the University withdrew its support, meaning the club was unable to continue under the same name.
After that, Futsal Partnership Newcastle and Team Sunderland submitted a joint proposal to the league, requesting that the squad be transferred to Newcastle and keep its place in the division.
Tony Loftus, who was head coach of Team Sunderland and will continue in the role with Newcastle, said:
“There’s been a huge amount of hard work, commitment and dedication from the players, coaches and everyone around the team to get us off to such a strong start this season.
The league has strengthened and we feel we have a really good core of players who want to compete against the best teams in it and ultimately push towards Tier 1.
Being able to keep that group together, retain our place and carry forward the results we’ve worked hard for means a huge amount.
We’re excited to keep building on that start and see just how far this group can go this season!
None of that journey would have been possible without the backing of the University of Sunderland over the last six years.
Without their support, my own journey in futsal could quite easily have stopped.
Instead, they gave us the platform to compete nationally, develop players and build something I am incredibly proud of.
I’ll always be grateful for that support and the part they’ve played in helping shape what now looks like a really positive future with Newcastle Futsal.”
What was the process?
Over the past few weeks, both parties have worked collaboratively with the league, its clubs, the League Management Committee and the FA to reach a suitable outcome, built on strong governance and a keen focus on keeping all players and staff at Team Sunderland involved in competitive futsal.
Following guidance from the league’s Governance Lead, Futsal Partnership Newcastle submitted an official application to replace Team Sunderland, to be decided by the LMC and then the league clubs, who were given a week to object via email.
The LMC backed the application, and no club objected.
The outcome? Futsal Partnership Newcastle take all of Team Sunderland’s remaining fixtures, and results to date, meaning none of the results against West Yorkshire, Loughborough Development or Bolton Development are lost.
Thanks to excellent work on all sides, the club has met the same requirements as every other new entrant to the league: a signed club agreement, affiliation and insurance through Northumberland FA, three approved timekeepers, a safeguarding policy, first aiders booked, and 18 players registered and transferring formally to their new club.
Who are Futsal Partnership Newcastle?
Futsal Partnership Newcastle is a youth futsal club with a strong existing infrastructure that has competed in the National Youth Cup over the past couple of seasons and already has multiple players involved in the England Futsal performance pathway.
On what this move means for the club, Futsal Partnership Newcastle’s Chairman and Director, Keith Davies, said:
“This is a fantastic step forward for Newcastle Futsal and an exciting opportunity to strengthen the pathway we're building for players across the North East.
It gives our players something to aspire to, adding another competitive level to our existing pathway, while helping to ensure that futsal continues to grow and thrive in the region.”
And as a message to players, parents and supporters, he added:
“Sunday 22nd November is a huge occasion for the club as we take to the court for our first official game.
We'd love to see as many of our players, parents and supporters there as possible to get behind the team and help us put our best foot forward.
Come along to Gateshead Leisure Centre for the 2:45pm kick-off, bring the noise and help us make it a brilliant occasion for futsal in the North East!”
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What’s next for Newcastle?
The first official game as the newly-formed club comes on Sunday 22nd November, at home to Birmingham WLV at Gateshead Leisure Centre, in what will be the squad’s fourth game of the Tier 2 South campaign.
Newcastle Futsal Partnership vs Birmingham WLV
Sun 22 Nov | 14:45 | Gateshead Leisure Centre
Beyond that, the two fixtures which were postponed during the transition process have been rearranged for the new year, in agreement with the participating clubs, Athletico City and Hull Eagles.
On behalf of the English futsal community, we wish Newcastle’s players and staff the best of luck for the remainder of their season and beyond.
Thank You
England Futsal would like to extend its thanks and appreciation to:
Tony Loftus and Keith Davies, for their persistence and honesty throughout the process.
The University of Sunderland, for its backing of the team across the past 6 years and excellent provision of a senior futsal pathway and opportunities for players.
Athletico City and Hull Eagles, for agreeing postponements at such short notice.
The League Management Committee, for a swift and clear decision.
The league’s clubs for backing and supporting the decision.
Graeme Dell and the FA for providing guidance on a safe and governance-led route to a positive outcome for all involved.
Thanks to the hard work and vigilance of all of the above, a team which would have folded in October now plays in November, with their record intact.
That's what governance is for.
