Player recommendation window opens for new England Futsal U23 Performance Pathway group
The recommendation window is open to club coaches for two weeks, to put forward players born between 1st Jan 2002 - 31st Dec 2007 for September assessment…
Image Credit: Sian Horn - IG @shotbysian_
Following a successful 2025/26 season, which saw more than 200 athletes access the programme across U17, U19 and senior squads, the England Futsal Performance Pathway is expanding for 2026/27, with the introduction of an Under-23 group for the first time.
The England Futsal Performance Pathway is designed for the highest-potential futsal players across the country. It aims to provide a high-performance environment for athletes who are fully committed to developing their futsal abilities.
On the introduction of this new performance squad, England Futsal Head of Development & Technical Lead, Sion Kitson said,
"Introducing men's and women's Under-23 performance squads this season is a vital step in strengthening the England Futsal pathway. The U23 programme provides the crucial bridge between the U19 and senior programmes, ensuring talented players continue to develop within a high-performance environment during an important stage of their athletic and personal development.
For many players, the transition from youth to senior futsal coincides with university and early career commitments. A dedicated U23 programme creates stronger connections with the university game, as well as the National League structure, supporting talented players to remain within our Performance Pathway while competing in meaningful domestic environments.
By creating a clear progression from U17 to U19 to U23 and onto senior level, our pathway can retain more players, provide additional opportunities for both men and women, and better prepare athletes for the demands of international competition. A stronger, more connected pathway ultimately strengthens the domestic game, raises performance standards across all levels, and increases the depth and sustainability of England's future national teams."
Coaches can recommend players, born between 01/01/2002 - 31/12/2007 whom they believe have the potential to represent England at international level, via the two forms below:
Please note: This programme operates in line with UEFA regulations and follows a calendar year system.
The recommendation window closes on Wednesday 22nd July, 5pm.
Players then will be invited to an Assessment Day on Sunday 6th September (venue TBC) with a view that if successful, they will be invited to the programme for the 2026/27 season. Selected players must be prepared to fully commit to the programme. This includes attending all in-person training camps and participating in remote educational workshops throughout the season.
“A dedicated U23 programme creates stronger connections with the university game, as well as the National League structure, supporting talented players to remain within our Performance Pathway while competing in meaningful domestic environments.”
How the Pride DNA influences our player selection
The Pride DNA Framework
This document outlines how within the England Futsal Performance Pathway, players are identified, developed and selected for national team competition. Find it on our Player Resources page.
The Pride DNA Framework: How We Coach
This free resource takes coaches inside the England Futsal coaching methodology. It’s a toolkit and a reference point for grassroots football and futsal coaches to guide coaching practice, support their learning and improve connectivity between domestic club coaching and England Futsal. Find it on our Coaching Resources page.
