ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Jon Kurrant has described the call-up of three Jewish players into the England futsal set-up as a major boost for the community.
Loughborough University captain Russell Goldstein has been selected for the senior squad for the first time, while Scott Shulton and Kurrant, both members of the Maccabi GB Futsal team, have made the national development squad.
"It's a massive step for Russell and really exciting news,” said Kurrant, who is player-manager of the MGBF team which plays in the National Futsal League.
"I don’t think people appreciate the level involved. Both Scott and I have played football at a high standard, but top-level futsal is very different. It’s about the best passers and best decision-makers and the fact that our players have the opportunity to play international futsal is a massive incentive.”
Kurrant believes there are players involved in other forms of the game, such as 11-a-side and five-a-side who could adapt to the sport. “They should look at futsal as a step up,” he said. “Some will be quite surprised how far they can go.
"The recognition will certainly benefit British squads competing at European Maccabi and Maccabiah level."