The University of York Men’s 1sts Futsal side have been crowned Northern Premier Division champions, the first time a York side has ever won a Premier League title. Tom Day’s side now progress through to the national knockout competition, with the potential of qualifying for the European Championships in the summer.
York secured an excellent 7-4 victory over Sheffield Hallam 1sts in the tent on Friday, to leave themselves with three wins out of four and top of the table, but at the time unsure as to whether the victory would be enough to clinch a maiden title.
Sheffield 1sts also had the opportunity to finish with nine points, and did so by defeating Teesside 10-4 the following day, leaving York and Sheffield with the same goal difference, but with Sheffield having scored one more goal over the course of the league campaign.
However the league was eventually decided by head to head records, and since York had defeated Sheffield 6-3 in their opening match, York were confirmed as champions, a fantastic achievement for the side.
By topping the division, York have qualified for the national knockout cup, and will have a last 16 match on 10th February as they bid to progress further in the competition. The final of the knockout tournament will be held on 24th March.
York Captain Tom Day commented: “Every game in the league has been incredibly tough but our quality and belief has never failed us. Dom Hallas our President deserves all the credit he gets, his understanding and passion for the game has been an inspiration for us all. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved, but now we must push on and progress through the next round.”
So the journey does not end; York’s forthcoming encounter promises to be one of the most captivating in the history of sport here at the University, and victory would take them a step closer to even greater rewards, as the winners of the knockout cup qualify for the European Championships in the summer.
York ‘keeper Jonny Sim told Vision: “It’s been an incredible season so far for the club. After clinching promotion last year we had high hopes of continuing our momentum, but I don’t think any of us quite thought we’d go on to achieve what we have done! Every single player has worked so hard in every game and it’s amazing to see it all come together, and to show that York can compete at the very top with the other big sporting universities.”
Futsal may not be one of the most high profile sports on campus, but the achievements of the side have boosted the reputation of the sport, with a large crowd turning out on Friday to cheer York on to victory. A home draw in the next round would help York, and a significant number of supporters would be expected to turnout for what is likely to be one of the biggest matches in York’s sporting history.
York Sport President Charlotte Winter told Vision: “I’m incredibly proud of the boys’ performance; they’ve all done so well. They’re the first ever York club to win a Premier Division title, and they’re going to take a lot of beating for York Sport team of the year award to be honest. I’m so happy for them.”
York Team: Jonny Sim, Dom Hallas, Ash Daly, Alex Tringham, Tom Day (c), James Briars, Jonny Brown, Connor McCoy.