In total, 36 teams from across the East will battle it out to be crowned Regional Small Sided Champions and for qualification into the National Finals, to be played at the home of football, Wembley Stadium.
The three teams flying the flag at the competition, which takes place at the Football Academy in Loughton Essex, are the winners of the local heat Um Mao (Brazilian for ‘One Touch!’) and St Catherines and The Spring Rolls, who qualified through the fair play award.
Um Mao, who participate at the County 5IVES Centre in Dereham each Monday, cruised through to the regional finals after an unbeaten run in the local heat. Meanwhile St Catherines, who play at the Hellesdon County 5IVES Centre on Wednesday’s, and The Spring Rolls were chosen by Norfolk’s UMBRO Fives referees after displaying RESPECT and fair play throughout their games.
Also representing Norfolk on Sunday will be four County 5IVES referees. Kevin Betts, Daryl Godbold, Nigel Raven and Tony Webb will join other referees from the region in taking charge of the matches. A handful will then have the opportunity to officiate at Wembley for the national finals later in the year.
Um Mao Team Manager Aaron Garner says his team is looking forward to the taking to the pitch over the weekend.
“As children we all dreamt of playing at Wembley and kids across Britain still dream of playing at the stadium to this day. On Sunday we have the chance of achieve those dreams. Each member of the squad feels extremely proud to be representing Norfolk at the Eastern Regional Finals, with one player even having the County 5IVES logo printed onto the sleeves of our shirts! It’s going to be a great day, and one that will hopefully see us progress to the National Finals.”
All at Norfolk County FA and County 5IVES would like to wish our teams and officials the very best of luck for their big day.