Port Vale Foundation are delighted to unveil Ethan Walker as the first ever signing for the new futsal team that will compete in EFL competitions from September.
Walker, a massive Vale fan and will now be able to fulfil a lifelong dream by pulling on the famous white and black shirt in competitive action for the Vale next season.
He will also be completing his education and BTEC Sports studies at Stoke on Trent College that includes work placements in the Foundation’s community coaching team.
Upon signing onto the programme, Walker had this to say: “When I heard Vale were launching a Futsal programme and you had the chance to be seen as a Port Vale player, I jumped at the chance to sign up.
"It’s a great programme that allows me to train like a pro 4 days a week and compete in an official EFL league, while still having the opportunity to complete a qualification and gain work experience.
"I can’t wait to meet my team mates and get started!"
Kev Sanders, Project Development Manager at the Foundation stated: “We are really proud to be launching our Futsal programme here at the club.
"We have created a fantastic programme with the college that offers students the opportunity to experience competing in professional competitions against some of the best young futsal players in the country.
"We believe our unique selling point is that we are treating as our players on the same level as our youth team and first team players, they will train every day in a high class facility with highly experienced coaches and support teams including sports science, nutrition and technology.”
Futsal is the small sided version of the game, that has been credited as the major development tool for the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar. It’s a fast pace 5v5 game that has a large emphasis on technical skill in high pressure situations. It’s played indoors, with hockey size goals and a size 4 ball with reduced bounce.
“Futsal is an extremely important way for kids to develop their skills and understanding of the game. My touch and my dribbling have come from playing Futsal”.
Ronaldinho - FIFA World Footballer of the Year 2004 and 2005
Port Vale Foundation and PVFC are still on the lookout for new players to join the futsal programme for the coming season and will be hosting an open evening for any interested players who are leaving school this July.
Hosted here at Vale Park the open evening will take place on Thursday 15th June 6pm-8pm and will feature an overview of the programme and a practical trial session for you to show us your skills!
Think you have the skills, Want to play for Vale and get a great education? Get in touch with the Foundation today and book your place! Email foundation.trust@port-vale.co.uk or call 01782 757066.