Williams Ready To Take Up The Challenge in Tier 2

The club are delighted to confirm that Ryan Williams will become Head Coach for the Men’s Development Team this season as they make their introduction season into Tier 2 of the FA National Futsal Series. We took some time to find out what the young player coach is looking forward to most as he brings together his wealth of playing and early coaching experience into the role.

You’re going to be involved leading the MFC Development Team this season - what’s exciting you about the challenge?

I can’t wait to get started, it’s been really difficult last season missing it through injury so I’m just really appreciative to be given this opportunity to stay involved within the club and privileged to be part of the coaching team working along with Sam & Ilya. I’m looking forward to getting started in August in a competitive league and want to make sure the team is ready for it from the get go.

You’ve been developing as a young coach for a number of years - what do you enjoy most about coaching futsal?

I’ve always enjoyed developing players not just in Futsal, but as people, while working with all ages and abilities, men and women. It’s great to see things work in training or games that I’ve asked from them, as it shows the commitment and willingness to learn the Futsal fundamentals that I aim to implement across the season. I’m close to completing my UEFA B Futsal license where I’ve learned a lot from other people, so I’m looking forward to passing my knowledge on to this team and hopefully improve the players which is my aim.

You’re going to be working with players at the club that want to break through and learn the sport - what is your advice to them?

My advice is similar to what I would think when I was aiming to break through to the first team; stay committed, enjoy the game and be competitive. I want players here who aren’t here just to play with their mates, but we are going to be playing in a tough league in the NFS Tier 2 so the level required from the players will be high but to also have fun while learning the game. This is a big opportunity to raise the profile of these young players who have lots of potential so it would be great to see some of these break through into the first team in the future.

Have you set yourself any goals or objectives this season?

As an individual, my goal is to recover well and hopefully get some minutes for Manchester Futsal again. I’ve finally had my ACL surgery, so ideally from January I can slowly begin training again. As a team we want to be competitive no matter how young the squad is. We want to compete as much as we can in this league but also, if I see players getting even one minute on court for the first team, that would be an achievement in itself for me as well as them.

You’re now part of a wider coaching team at the club with years or coaching and playing experience - how will that help you this season?

I’m just really thankful for Simon, Sam & Ilya for their faith in giving me this role. I learned a lot from last season just by being at training and attending some match day squads due to the experience Sam has so I know if I’m in any need of help or have any questions, there’s a big coaching team around me to go to. I’ll be following the First Team and the Women’s Team each week in full support and just excited to get going!

Good luck Ryan! The whole MFC family wishes you the best of luck in this new role!