Saltires crowned league champions
PYF Saltires were this week crowned champions of Scottish Futsal’s Super League.
Action was halted back in March due to the coronavirus outbreak and hopes remained high that the season could be completed.
But league bosses have decided that will not be possible and instead final placings were decided on an average points basis.
Perth-based Saltires, who claimed the title last year, had won 13 out of 13 matches before the campaign was stopped.
They narrowly finished above local rivals Fair City Santos.
“It’s not how we wanted the season to end but we’re happy we can now focus on our next steps,” said Saltires manager Scott Ballingall.
“The team was incredible this year, winning 13 from 13 and scoring 169 goals in the process.
“Prior to March we were playing some great stuff so hopefully we can restart in the same kind of form.
“It has been very tough not knowing what was happening. We’ve kept a close eye on government, FA and UEFA guidelines. The team just wants to play futsal.
“We’ve tried to keep the players busy and followers entertained at home.”
Winning the title again qualifies Saltires for the UEFA Futsal Champions League.
Last year they became the first ever Scottish club to win on European soil with victory against Lynx FC of Gibraltar.
The qualifiers are scheduled to take place in October, with the draw being made in September.
Ballingall said: “It’s a huge honour to go to the Champions League again.
“We’re hoping last year’s experience would help us this year.
“Our job is to make life as normal as possible for the players so they can concentrate on matters on court.
“Everyone we want to take has confirmed they are available and our squad looks stronger than last year, when we became the first Scottish team to win a Champions League game.
“We obviously will have to comply with government guidelines around social distancing so are now working out a plan for how best to prepare.”
A Scottish Futsal spokesperson said: “Further detail will be disclosed in due course for the 2020/21 season once we know more on when we can get back on court in accordance with the Scottish Government and SFA/SAFA guidelines.”