Futsal: Sparta Belfast in UEFA Champions League action
Last updated 23rd Aug 2023
Northern Ireland's representatives in the UEFA Futsal Champions League are confident of qualifying for the group stages of the competition for the first time.
No local team has managed to pick up a positive result in the Preliminary Rounds to date, but Sparta Belfast are hoping to change that in Albania.
The side take on Bosnian champions Radnik tonight (Wednesday 7.45pm UK time), before meeting hosts Tirana tomorrow evening.
And captain Darius Roohi, who also plays for Ballyclare Comrades in the Playr-Fit Championship, says the side have prepared well.
"It's a massive achievement for the club to be back in the Champions League.
"We've been there two times before and have represented Northern Ireland really well, but we're coming away this time with a positive attitude and hoping to qualify. We're excited for it," says Roohi.
"We feel ready to play at this high level. Personally and collectively, we feel ready.
"The two games are going to be completely different and unique to what we face in Northern Ireland," Roohi admits.
"Radnik are known for playing a certain style that involves using their goalkeeper a lot and Tirana have vast Champions League experience.
"We're hopeful, based on our preparation, that we can take six points from the two games. We know that Futsal is relatively new in Northern Ireland, but we've plenty of players who have played at international level and in the Champions League before," he adds.
"Teams cross Europe are vastly experienced, but that doesn't mean we can go toe-to-toe with them.
The sport of Futsal has grown sharply in recent years in Northern Ireland, with a number of Irish League footballers getting involved in the highly-technical sport.
"That's down to all the hard work of the players, coaches and volunteers," feels Roohi.
"The experience of players playing in the Champions League has helped the game in Northern Ireland overall and we're hopeful of bringing back learning for all the players and teams in our league."