TN’s squads just can’t put a Fut wrong!
NORTHUMBRIA University are targeting a dream double with two Sport Central teams sensing futsal glory.
The women’s firsts head to London next month looking to defend their 2016 BUCS Championship title.
They will be joined at the Copperbox Arena on May 10 by Northumbria’s men’s seconds after both sides qualified for the finals in style.
The women are focusing on an unprecedented fourth successive decider with skipper Megan Pyper predicting a thrilling clash against old foes Bath.
She said: “The first year we made the final we came up against Bath and they are a very, very tough team to beat.
“The last two finals have been against Durham and we know them well as they are our local rivals.
“It has been a while since we played Bath in the final but we are determined to sign off in style this season.”
The showpiece clash will be Pyper’s last in a Northumbria shirt, the skilful star set to complete her Masters in international sport management this year.
The Sport Development With Coaching graduate is one of three familiar faces set to leave the university this summer - and head coach Mike Gunn admitted May’s final will mark the end of an era for Northumbria futsal.
Pyper, Ellie Dobson and Niamh McLaughlin are all set to move on this summer and he said: “Everyone wants this win so we can give them the perfect send-off.
“They have committed themselves to futsal at Northumbria for a number of years and helped to establish the sport at the university.
“There is no doubt we will face a transitional period after the final because they are three hugely-influential players on and off the pitch.
“For now the sole focus is ensuring they walk away with the silverware they deserve this summer.”
Pyper arrived at Northumbria having never played futsal and added: “I did not even know what it was.
“I was encouraged to play by Northumbria’s former sports president Hannah Marshall and although it started out as a bit of fun it quickly became serious.
“As a squad we realised we were good at what we were doing and we set new targets.
“The pressure is on every time we reach a final but we know what we are capable of and we have been here before.”
Northumbria’s women qualified for the final on the back of a brilliant BUCS Super 8s weekend at Sport Central.
While home advantage clearly counted in their favour, the men’s seconds faced an energy-sapping trip to Bournemouth to book their own place in next month’s BUCS Trophy final at the capital’s Copperbox.
Gunn added: “Theirs was an incredible achievement.
“The lads set off at the crack of dawn to play a game and they must have been shattered.
“In the semi-final they were 4-1 down at half-time but came back to win 8-5!
“They fully deserve the chance to play their final in London.”