ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Russell Goldstein expressed delight after being invited to train with the England National Team Futsal Development squad.
Goldstein, who helped Team GB take bronze in the Open futsal competition at the European Maccabi Games in the summer, impressed England B manager Sean Kitson during the recent friendly against Team Bath.
The 17-year-old from Ilford has made something of a meteoric rise in the small-sided game. He caught the eye after playing for the GB Junior squad at the 2009 Maccabiah Games in Israel and was also a key player in the squad that brought home bronze in Vienna.
"It came as a bit of a shock," said Goldstein. I didn't think it would happen so quickly. It's a major achievement, definitely one of the best things that has ever happened to me."
Goldstein plays 11-a-side football for Tottenham Football Colleges and JC MSFL champions Redbridge Jewish Care.
He said: "I never thought I would go from a Maccabiah into the Development squad so quickly.
"Futsal is a great sport. It's now recognised in the community. Sammy Carr and Jonathan Cohen have played key roles in helping me succeed in the game."
Jonathan Cohen, who managed Goldstein in Vienna, said: "This is the first step. I'm chuffed to bits for Russell. I'm sure more Jewish players will follow.
"He has a particularly good mental attitude to the game and is absolutely dedicated. He has an edge in that respect."
● Scott Shulton scored his first goal of the season to help Bishop's Stortford into the final qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The Team GB star fired home the opener in a 5-2 victory over Burnham.
Shulton said: "Having scored four last season and 12 the year before, I'm glad to be off the mark."