Ahead of the UEFA Futsal Champions League, we caught up with Scott Thompson
Background and Beginnings
Scott Thompson’s journey into the world of futsal didn’t start with the typical spark of passion many might expect. Growing up in Wigan, Scott was always involved in sports—whether it was football or athletics, he was a natural competitor. But futsal? That wasn’t something he sought out. It was his parents who introduced him to the sport, signing him up as a way to get in some extra training for football. At first, Scott was hesitant. Little did he know that this initial reluctance would lead to a deep love for a game that would come to shape his athletic career.
Futsal Journey
“I was reluctant to go at first,” Scott admits, “but after the first session, I was hooked. It was intense, and I got so much more time on the ball than in football. The constant involvement drew me in immediately.”
His first taste of futsal came under the tutelage of Pete Sturgess, a name synonymous with English futsal. Sturgess, the former England futsal coach, recognised Scott’s potential early on. “Pete always had high praise for me, which was a huge motivation,” Scott recalls. “He really understood the tactical side of the game, and he saw that I had a good grasp of it, which made me want to keep improving.”
Scott spent four years under Sturgess at UKFA, where he developed a deep appreciation for the tactical nuances of futsal. However, he insists that it wasn’t any one player or specific memory that fueled his passion. Instead, it was the sheer joy of playing, the quick passing, and the movement that kept him coming back. “There was never really a playing influence for me,” Scott says. “I would turn up and play because I loved it. I wanted to better myself every time I stepped on the court.”
Transition to Manchester Futsal Club
After his time at UKFA, Scott made the move to Manchester Futsal Club, a decision that would elevate his game to new heights. Under the guidance of Sergi, the head coach at Manchester, Scott found himself pushed to his limits and beyond. “Sergi had a massive influence on me,” Scott explains. “The tactical side of futsal had advanced so much coming from UKFA, and I felt that Sergi was always helping me improve, always pushing me to be better.”
Starting out in the club’s development team, Scott quickly showed his potential, soon earning opportunities to train with the first team and travel with them to matches. “The intensity was incredible,” Scott recalls. “I was still developing, so I was lucky to get on the court for a couple of minutes at times. But what really struck me was the togetherness at Manchester. It felt like a big family. Everyone worked for each other, and everyone helped each other improve.”
Role and Impact at Manchester Futsal Club
Now an integral part of Manchester Futsal Club’s first team, Scott has embraced his role as a key defensive player, often acting as a fix—a position critical for maintaining the team’s defensive solidity. “I’d say my role is to bring the mood down a bit,” Scott jokes, “but seriously, I play as a fix, and I feel I’m strong defensively. I work hard, so anytime we need to stay solid at the back, I’m there. Off the court, I’m a bit quieter, but I like to hold people to high standards in training and matches. I always try to set the bar.”
Keys to Success in Futsal
For Scott, the essence of futsal lies in the speed of thought and action required to succeed. “You’ve got to act quickly,” he says. “It’s all about speed of thought and speed of feet. You need to pick the best option and execute it instantly. There’s no room to hide on the court, so you’ve always got to be switched on.”
Pre-Game Rituals and Motivation
When it comes to pre-game rituals, Scott keeps things simple. “I don’t really have any superstitions,” he says. “I just have a Monster or Red Bull before a game, and that’s about it. Once the warm-up starts, that’s when I get fully focused on performing well and winning.”
Aspirations and Future Goals
Scott’s ambitions in futsal are straightforward and his next goal is to reach Uefa Futsal Champions League main round and to represent England on the international stage. “My motivation is all about self-improvement,” he explains. “I take each game as it comes, but I’m always doing everything I can to win.”
Manchester Hosting the Champions League
As Manchester Futsal Club prepares to host the Champions League, Scott is excited about the opportunity to showcase futsal in England. “Hosting the Champions League is a huge moment for the club and for futsal in this country,” he says. “It’s a chance for us to draw more attention to the sport and hopefully grow it here.”
Looking ahead, Scott is most eager to compete at the highest level and see how both he and the team measure up against Europe’s best. “I’m looking forward to seeing how we compare to other top teams,” he says. “It’s going to be a high standard of futsal, and it’ll show us where we need to improve, both as individuals and as a team.”
Futsal’s Impact and Advice for Young Players
For Scott, futsal isn’t just a sport; it’s a tool for personal growth, both on and off the court. “Futsal is great for getting people involved,” he says. “It can be played by people of any ability, but the contact time with the ball is something that will only improve players.
It’s a great way to train and improve individually. My advice to young players is to enjoy it. Play for the love of the game, and the benefits of improving will come naturally. The more you enjoy it, the more you play, and the more you push yourself.”
Life Outside Futsal
When he’s not on the futsal court, Scott enjoys keeping fit, whether that’s hitting the gym or supporting Leeds United. He also has a passion for travel, having visited 28 countries so far a testament to his love of new experiences and exploration.
Come and catch Scott and Manchester Futsal Club in the UEFA Futsal Champions League this August. Tickets are available now at www.manchesterfutsalshop.com
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