YORKRYE have booked their place in the National Futsal Finals after topping the first-ever York and Selby League, writes Dave Flett.

Former Liverpool and England star John Barnes and his son will now be among the opposing five-a-side football players when Yorkrye travel to the English Institute for Sport to compete for the national title on Friday.

The club comprises of players from the York and Ryedale areas and recently finished champions of the newly-formed local league at Burnholme College each Tuesday.

Futsal is a form of five-a-side football that places an emphasis on skill and fair play.

Brazilian superstars Pele, Zico, Socrates and Bebeto were all weaned on Futsal - now fully ratified by FIFA - as youngsters.

The game is played on a pitch which is 25metres-42m long and 15m-25m wide without the use of side-walls.

Kick-ins replace throw-ins and matches are played over two 20-minute periods with each team allowed one time-out per half.

Sides are allowed to make up to seven substitutions and sent-off players can be replaced but only after a two-minute punishment or if the opposition score before the expiry of that time.

Both teams are also only permitted five fouls per half. Any indiscretions after that limit are punished with free shots from a second penalty spot 12 metres from goal or from where the foul was committed if within 12 metres of the goal.

Yorkrye will include Selby Town midfielder Stuart Lee in their team, as well as Malton Bacon Factory striker Simon Collins, who was the inaugural York and Selby Futsal League's top scorer with 17 goals from six matches.

Manager Gabriel Horgan, who recently completed a sports science degree at York St John's College, formed the club after playing in last season's national finals at Sheffield.

He is expecting a tough test and said: "It's a very good standard and the teams to look out for will be Sheffield Hallam, Team USSR, from London, and Tranmere Victoria, who John Barnes and his son play for."

Affiliated to the North Riding FA, Yorkrye aim to raise the profile of Futsal and eventually set up junior and women's teams.

They are also aiming to raise £300 for a new kit, required to ensure participation in the finals.

JSoccer and MC Driving Academy have already made contributions but anybody willing to make a donation or interested in joining the club should call Gabriel on 07732 292179 or email gabriel.horgan@yorksj.ac.uk

Information on the new York and Selby League, which starts in September, can be obtained by e-mailing ukfootball@hotmail.com

Updated: 10:21 Tuesday, July 05, 2005