English Futsal: Funding on an international level

Screenshot of three players raising money on their Go Fund Me account cc: Daniel Quina Brito

In order to compete in the tournaments and qualification rounds, all male and female players are asked to contribute towards training costs due to the lack of money at England Futsals disposal.

These funds contributes towards kits, training, facilities and other essentials that the team will need throughout their time competing.

Across social platforms some players, from all levels of the England setup, have created go fund me accounts asking members of the public to help them afford their dream.

Players pay a varied amount dependent on their connection to England. At the under-19s level, each player payed £450 to attend six training camps across the season. On the women's side, the players selected in the squad payed £390 in pre-tournament training.

Kitson said: “It’s a challenge, athletes In other sports have to contribute, and of course wouldn’t it be great if there was a pot of money for everyone? But there isn’t so now it’s just taking a little bit of time to get used to it.”

Although players do have to raise money, there are donations from a multitude of people which shows the community are there to help these players represent the country.

Kitson said: “It’s a big commitment, the seniors, have families and kids that they need to support."