The Manchester Futsal Club Youth Academy Pathway

For two decades, Manchester Futsal Club has been quietly building something special. While England’s sporting culture is dominated by football, the club has pioneered a futsal pathway that has helped shape players for the Premier League, the England national team, and the UEFA Futsal Champions League.

“We’ve been developing players for the last 20 years, and our Academy is recognised as one of the pioneers in player development in this country,” explains Academy Director Ilya Ovechkin.

“Futsal gives young players something football cannot always provide - a game that demands high-level technical ability, quick decision-making, and the confidence to operate in tight spaces.”

Why Futsal Matters

At its core, the Academy is built on a belief: Futsal develops complete, all-round players - capable of excelling in any format of football. The smaller court, faster tempo, and constant rotations demand that every player becomes technically outstanding.

“What makes futsal unique,” says Ovechkin, “is that it creates high-level technicians. We provide that technical foundation in a supportive environment without pressure, without rushing development. That’s what makes our programme so attractive - it builds players who can succeed at the very top.”

For some, futsal is a stepping stone into football. For others, it becomes the chosen path all the way into the Champions League. Either way, the Academy provides a safe, flexible environment where development is always the priority.

A Programme That Suits All

Players can join our pathway at any stage of their journey. Whether you’re starting out in grassroots, already part of a football academy, or simply want to dedicate yourself to futsal, there is a place for you here.

Pre-Academy (U6–U8)

Our entry points are open to everyone. Young players can join our youth programme - where the focus is on mastering the ball and enjoying the game.

Academy Teams (U9–U16)

From grassroots footballers to academy players, many join us at this stage to refine and perfect their technique. Our training develops “super strengths” - those special qualities that make players stand out. Alongside technical growth, we also prepare players mentally to thrive in any futsal or football environments.

Youth Transition (U16–U19)

Players who continue their journey with us progress into the Manchester Youth Futsal League, U18s, and Development Teams, where they gain regular competition and prepare for the demands of senior performance. This stage bridges the gap between youth football/futsal and the senior elite level.

First Team & Champions League (16+)

The pathway leads directly into the Manchester Futsal Club First Team, competing in the National Futsal Series and the UEFA Futsal Champions League. From here, players are also monitored by England and other national team scouts.

A Pathway Without Pressure

One of the Academy’s biggest strengths is its flexibility. There is no single route and no pressure to conform to one outcome. Instead, the programme adapts to each player’s journey.

“Some players stay with us for a short time, others for their entire journey,” Ovechkin explains. “Some combine futsal with academy football, while others dedicate themselves fully to futsal. And for those going into further study, we provide opportunities to keep playing the game at a high level for MMU in BUCS Futsal competition and Manchester Futsal Club first team.

Wherever a player’s journey leads, we can guide it. There’s no one route, no one outcome - we create the right environment for every individual to succeed.”

This makes the Academy not just a development programme, but a home for players at any stage - whether they are just starting at U6s or stepping into senior competition at 16+.

The Manchester Futsal Advantage

At the heart of the club is a culture that prioritises growth over pressure. That’s what makes it different from many traditional environments.

“For me, what makes Manchester Futsal Club unique is the culture we’ve built. It’s a programme with no pressure, only opportunity. Players are given time to grow, to develop their super strengths, and to enjoy the process,” Ovechkin says.

And the results are undeniable. With 20 years of experience, a first team built almost entirely of Academy graduates, and a track record of producing Premier League academy players and England internationals, Manchester Futsal Club has built a pathway that works.

Your Pathway, Your Future

The Manchester Futsal Club Youth Academy is more than just a training programme - it’s a proven system that has shaped players for football and futsal at the very highest level. Whether your ambition is to wear the badge of a Premier League giant, represent your country, or compete in the Champions League with Manchester Futsal Club, the pathway is clear.

Wherever you start, Manchester Futsal Club provides the environment, the methodology, and the opportunity to take you further.

To find out more about our programme and the opportunities available, visit www.manchesterfutsalacademy.com and discover what pathway fits best for you. Whether you’re just starting out, already in a football academy, or looking for the next step in your development, Manchester Futsal Club Youth Academy has a place for you.