Tough Champions League series ahead for Belfast United in Germany
Ciaran Donaghy's side face top sides from host nation, Albania and Greece
Belfast United are carrying the hopes of Northern Ireland as they prepare to take part in the Champions League futsal preliminary qualfiers in Germany.
Ciaran Donaghy’s side flew off earlier (pictured below) to face a tough series of games this week - up against national champions and hosts Hohenstein-Ernstthal - as well as the champions of both Greece and Albania.
The first of their games takes place tomorrow against Greek side Goukas.
Player Diarmuid McNeice says it will be difficult against much more experienced opposition.
He spoke to Downtown & Cool FM before flying off: “Probably from our club’s perspective, it is more about getting the experience and getting to compete against European teams, the likes of the Germans for example.
“I would imagine they will be quite strong again from what we have heard and seen the Albanians will be quite strong.
“We played against a Greek team last year so we have a rough idea of what to expect.”
Donaghy said Northern Ireland was playing “catch-up” with the rest of Europe and that it could be up to 15 years before they reap the benefits locally.
“The Irish FA have obviously started to implement a lot of programmes – within the small-side games and within the schools,” he added.
“I think it is going to be 10 or 15 years before you see the culture start to develop and players will have come through.
“The guys who we are going to face here will have played this from a young age so we are playing catch-up."
Belfast United qualified for the tournament after winning the NI domestic league (see main picture).