A TEAM of indoor footballers from Ipswich will represent England in the 2008 UEFA Futsal Cup after winning the sports FA Futsal Cup in dramatic fashion at Sheffield.
A TEAM of indoor footballers from Ipswich will represent England in the 2008 UEFA Futsal Cup after winning the sports FA Futsal Cup in dramatic fashion at Sheffield.
The Ipswich Wolves, made entirely of Portuguese players living in the town, have dedicated their win to former player Jose Gomes Costa, who tragically died in a car crash on the A14 earlier this year.
In a remarkable season, the Wolves became the first team in the four-year history of the Futsal National League to win all 14 of their league matches on the way to the South Division title, all matches which are played in London's Crystal Palace.
At the same time as the National League, the Wolves also competed in a regional league based in Lowestoft, which they also won all seven of their matches on the way to the title.
But it was victory at Sheffield in the FA Futsal Cup final that has been the icing on the cake.
Ipswich player Daniel Costa said: “Ipswich Wolves Futsal Club is proud of our double success and wish to share our glory with all the Ipswich community.
“All these victories are dedicated to our beloved friend Jose who unfortunately died in a car accident at the beginning of the season, 'Canhoto' (translated as left foot) will always be in our hearts.
“We had to practice five days every week throughout June, which paid off in the end. This was probably the happiest moment of our club and player's career until today, but because we have a very ambitious club we aim to do as well in the UEFA futsal competition next year too.
“We also want to thank our sponsors S.O.S. Ltd and Mar Azul restaurant for helping us throughout the season, without them it would have been very difficult to achieve this success.
At the finals weekend in Sheffield, the Wolves won all five of their preliminary matches and eventually beat Vaughans FC 6-3 in the final, the tournament victory meaning they will represent England in the UEFA Futsal Cup next year.
Ipswich Wolves Futsal Club are now aiming to find more sponsors for the next season. Those who are interested can contact the club by e-mail at: ipswichwolvesfc@hotmail.co.uk
For more highlights of Ipswich's FA Futsal Cup Final win, visit www.thefa.com
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