West London Varsity: Previewing the men’s futsal clash
The highly anticipated West London Varsity is already underway, with St Mary’s University and Brunel University battling it out across more than 15 sports. With St Mary’s chasing a Varsity threepeat and Brunel looking to reclaim the trophy for the first time since 2022, the stakes are high in every competition.
One of the key matchups of the day will take place at the Performance Hall, where the men’s futsal 1’s will face off at 1:30 PM. The match is expected to finish around 3:00-3:30 PM.
Match preview: A clash for the ages
St Mary’s and Brunel have a history in Varsity futsal, with St Mary’s last victory in the fixture coming in 2023. However, last year’s Varsity clash saw Brunel secure a dominant 8-2 win. Despite that, St Mary’s had the upper hand in their league meeting last season, proving that this is a rivalry full of twists and turns.
This year, St Mary’s enter the contest with renewed confidence. Their performance in the BUCS Premier Division has been remarkable, securing an impressive second-place finish. In the BUCS Cup, their journey ended in the quarter-finals, but their league form has shown they are a team capable of competing at the highest level. Meanwhile, Brunel play in Tier 1, the second division of university futsal in England, making St Mary’s the higher-ranked side coming into the match.
Adding to their achievements, St Mary’s have also secured qualification for the European Universities Futsal Championship, which will take place in Croatia in mid-July. This achievement solidifies their status as one of the top university futsal teams in the country.
The team behind St Mary’s futsal
St Mary’s futsal squad is more than just a team, it’s a family. Their bond on and off the court has been a defining trait of their success, and their diverse background makes their story even more special.
Leading the team is head coach Ahmed El Hana, a tactician from Gibraltar who has shaped the squad into a formidable unit. At the heart of the team is captain Deni Konstantinov from Bulgaria, a leader who embodies the team’s unity, standards and determination.
In attack, St Mary’s will rely on their top scorer, Daniel Boyden from Taiwan, to lead the way, while Spanish playmaker Nicolás López, the team’s assist leader, will be key in creating chances.
The squad’s international mix reflects its unique identity. With players from England, Portugal, Chile, Libya, and India alongside their core leaders, this is a team that thrives on diversity and closeness. More than just teammates, they have built a united group where everyone feels at home, regardless of nationality.
With the team’s chemistry, strong league performance, and the hunger to reclaim Varsity glory, St Mary’s will be determined to put on a statement performance against Brunel. The match promises to be an intense battle, and if St Mary’s play to their potential, they could take another step towards securing the overall Varsity title for a third straight year.
The Sports Gazette is providing the official cover of the West London Varsity follow the live blog for updates
