Ahead of the UEFA Futsal Champions League, we caught up with Danny Stapleton.
Born and raised in Manchester, Danny Stapleton’s journey from traditional football to futsal has been one of resilience, passion, and dedication. Starting his football journey at the tender age of four, Danny navigated through various football academies before finding his true calling in futsal.
Early Beginnings and Discovery of Futsal
Danny's introduction to futsal came in 2012 during trials for the Maccabiah Games football team. “I wasn’t selected for the football squad, which turned out to be the best thing to happen to me,” Danny recalls. His curiosity led him to trial for the futsal squad, despite not knowing much about the sport. “I was selected and realised I needed to start learning the sport. I reached out to Ilya on Twitter and have been with the club ever since.”
Falling in Love with the Sport
Danny started playing futsal at 15, initially driven by curiosity. As he delved deeper, he was captivated by the game's intensity and the ample time on the ball. “I spent time watching top-level games and realised I would love it. Being told I was too small throughout my football journey made finding a sport where that is an advantage very welcome.”
Memorable Moments and Inspirations
One standout memory from Danny’s early futsal days is the 2015 FA Cup. “I went into the final as the joint top scorer. Playing against a strong Baku side with such a young squad felt like an achievement and opened my eyes to where I needed to be as a player.” Danny credits his development to the consistent support and guidance from Sam, Ilya, and Kingy, who have been integral to both his and the team's development.
Playing Experience and Tactical Appreciation
What Danny enjoys most about futsal has evolved over time. Initially drawn to the speed and frequent ball touches, he now appreciates the tactical elements. “Understanding how I can get each of my teammates into a better position by using my movements is fascinating. Restarts are one of my favorites, as they can often lead to scoring opportunities.”
Playing for Manchester Futsal Club feels like being part of a family for Danny. “The club is a big family, from the youth setup to the men’s and women’s first teams. Everyone is pushing the same way with the same goal, and the club setup is top-level.”
Roles and Responsibilities
Having joined at 15, Danny initially focused on learning from senior players. Now, as a senior player himself, he aims to help younger players improve. “If I can help in the process of making every player that comes through better than I am, I would call my time here a success. Winning games and trophies along the way is also a plus!”
Danny emphasises that key skills in futsal extend beyond physical attributes. “Technique, speed, agility, and fitness are important, but knowledge of the game and understanding your teammates are crucial. The mental side of the game is just as important, maybe even more so.”
Hosting the UEFA Futsal Champions League
Being part of the team hosting the UEFA Futsal Champions League in Manchester fills Danny with pride. “Having played here since I was a kid, I never thought I would have the opportunity to play in a Champions League with this club. Hosting shows the level of ambition the club has and is a great thing for English futsal.”
Danny looks forward to the challenge of playing against top-level teams and the excitement of having family and friends in the crowd. His preparation involves a balance of rest and fitness. “I’m taking some time off and going on holiday before getting back into intense training and eating well to put myself in the best position to help the team.”
Community Impact and Advice
Living in Bury, Danny appreciates the local futsal satellite club for young players. “Having a place for young boys and girls to learn the sport while having fun with their friends is a great addition to the area.” His advice to young players is to fully commit to the sport. “Find a team where you enjoy the training sessions and get on with your teammates. Give your all to the sessions and games.”
Personal Life and Fun Facts
Outside of futsal, Danny enjoys spending time with his family and girlfriend, with a bit of gaming on the side. His commitment to futsal is unwavering, having even given up 11-a-side football to focus on it.
A fun fact that fans might not know? Danny has appeared in two Adidas adverts.
Danny Stapleton’s journey in futsal is a testament to the power of dedication and passion. As he and Manchester Futsal Club prepare for the UEFA Futsal Champions League, fans can look forward to seeing his exceptional skills and leadership on display.
Come and catch Danny Stapleton and Manchester Futsal Club in the UEFA Futsal Champions League this August. Tickets are available now at www.manchesterfutsalshop.com
Comments