A FORMER Bromsgrove Sporting player will fly to Ukraine this weekend to compete in the European Futsal Championships for people with diabetes.
It will be the second time 28-year-old Chris Bright, who has had Type 1 diabetes for most of his life, will lead the UK’s all-diabetic-futsal-team to the tournament.
Futsal is a modified form of football played with five players per side on a smaller, typically indoor, pitch with hockey-sized goals and a size four weighted ball.
Last year the UK team finished 11th out of 17 with Bosnia and Herzegovina taking the title.
Chris, who manages and plays in the team, is also the founder of non-profit Diabetes Football Community (DFC).
He said: “DFC encourages those living with diabetes to pursue their passion for football.
“After setting up DFC I was able to also set up the UK diabetic futsal team.
“We have three new players this year and I’m absolutely buzzing to get out there and show we can compete.”
Chris has selected 11 players with Type 1 Diabetes and three members of non-playing staff to represent the UK at the this year’s tournament.
They will be up against nine other teams.
Futsal is played all over the world but its roots are in South American culture.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar all grew up playing the sport before their successful professional football careers.
The UK team enjoyed its final training day at University of Worcester last Friday ahead of its journey to Kiev.
Visit www.thediabetesfootballcommunity.com to follow the team’s progress.
