A PE teacher has been handed the task of leading Belfast United Futsal Club into the European Champions League.

Coach Bruce Vause will take charge of the Nothern Irish side’s preliminary qualifying round matches in Germany this week.

Futsal is a variation of football, played at high tempo on a hard, indoor court.

The 5-a-side game has rolling substitutions and is recognised as a tool for developing ball skills.

Some of the world’s greatest footballers, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, all played futsal as youngsters.

Now Bruce, of Prudhoe, is hoping his involvement with the UEFA-ruled European competition will help to promote the sport in Britain.

The 35-year-old will manage Belfast United alongside fellow coach Michael Gunn – who is head of futsal at Northumbria University – during the competition, in Dresden, Germany.

“We’re both really looking forward to the challenge,” said Bruce, who teaches PE at a school in Gateshead and also coaches Northumbria University’s futsal teams.

“Belfast took part in this competition last year, but they really struggled, so we have been asked to try and help the team become more competitive.”

Three former Northumbria University players have joined Belfast’s 14-man squad to add vital experience.

Bruce added: “We’re honoured to have been asked to do this, and are really grateful to Belfast and the Irish FA for the opportunity.

“This year, the competition has been rebranded as the Champions League, having been previously known as the UEFA Futsal Cup.

“Hopefully this will help to spread the word about our sport, said Bruce.

“In futsal, you have less time on the ball and you have to get used to receiving the ball in tight areas.

“It is highly skilled and is great for development.

“Substitutions are unlimited and that maintains a very high tempo throughout the game.”

A match consists of two 20-minute halves, but similar to basketball, the clock stops when the ball goes out of play, which means matches can last well over an hour.

Bruce, who was recently awarded the UEFA Futsal B Diploma, said futsal was not just a stepping stone to fully-fledged football.

He added: “There is a national futsal league in England and there really are opportunities to progress in the sport.

“I originally got involved a few years ago when I was asked to start a futsal programme at my school.

“Football had always been a big part of my life, but I went on to really enjoy both playing and coaching futsal.

“It will be pleasing to see some Geordies involved in the Champions League once again.”

Belfast defended their national title last season.

In the Champions League preliminary round, they have been drawn in a tough group against champion teams from Germany, Greece and Albania.

joseph.tulip@newsquest.co.uk