Hutsby puts his best fut forward with England

A NORTHUMBRIA University student is ready for a shot at international futsal glory after grabbing his chance with England.

Third year Sam Hutsby was scouted by national team coach Mike Skubala during the 2017 BUCS Super 8s event at Sport Central.

He was initially identified as one of five Northumbria players with the potential to progress into the senior England squad.

Hutsby joined team-mates Basil Olabi, Yedidiah Berhe, Jack Surtees and Adam Chrostowski for a trial at the Football Association’s St George’s Park HQ.

After a grueling selection process the Team Northumbria captain was offered the chance to represent England Under-23s in an exhibition match against England Under-19s.

Northumbria Futsal coach Michael Gunn said: “We were very proud five of our players were invited to work alongside the cream of the country’s futsal players.

“I know Mike was impressed with what he saw when he was at Sport Central.

“It is fantastic our futsal programme has been able to gain this kind of recognition.

“Sam’s appearance for the under-23s is the icing on the cake. Now he is on the England radar I am hopeful he will get another chance.”

England Under-23s faced the Under 19s at the futsal grand finals in Wolverhampton, where Hutsby scored in a 5-4 victory for the senior age group.