Northumbria University’s reputation as a breeding ground for the very best in British Futsal stars will be confirmed at next Friday’s Four Nations tournament in Edinburgh.
Rising star Sam Hutsby will represent England - continuing his remarkable rise from complete beginner to full international within three years.
And three former Northumbria stars will represent Northern Ireland after Adam Barr, Jack Magee and Scott Gunn won their latest call-ups.
“Sam’s involvement is great news for Northumbria and our programme,” said lead coach Michael Gunn. “He has been training with the England development squad on a regular basis since he was spotted by England coach Mike Skubala playing for the university at the end of last season.
“The aim of the development squad is to identify players who have the potential to make it into the full international set up. In Sam’s case he’s delivered on his potential and made the senior squad.
“He’s been given a fantastic opportunity and has grasped it with both hands.
“Sam has worked tirelessly on his game - not only technically but also tactically.
“In my opinion he has an obsession to do the best he can as a Futsal player and that dedication is paying dividends.
“Sam is also working on an individual fitness program, overseen by the S&C staff at Northumbria, and that’s given him an added edge.
“He has made rapid progress and is improving week by week. The fact that he has only played Futsal for two and a half years is staggering.”
Northumbria student Hutsby will tackle Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland north of the border next week.
The versatile footballer was contacted by the England hierarchy earlier this month and looks certain to win his first senior cap.
“As a programme Northumbria Futsal continues to grow and we’re so proud to have four lads who started their journey at Sport Central competing on the international stage,” added Gunn.
“It gives the players here an added incentive and shows them what can be done with the right attitude and focus.”
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