news · 18 October 2026
Braintree U16s chase TFC Champions of England title
Braintree’s 11-player squad will travel to Repton School, Derby, this weekend to compete for the TFC U16 Cup—with six players returning to the competition and the chance to be crowned TFC Champions of England.
By Braintree Futsal Club
Ethan Chibambo in action. Photo: @mediaplusuk.
Braintree Futsal Club’s U16s are preparing for a big weekend of futsal, travelling on Friday 23 October before competing on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October.
Led by coach Jack Harrod, the squad will face COPFC, Futsal 360 Bristol and West Yorkshire Futsal Club, testing themselves against strong club opposition from across the country.
There is real belief within Braintree in this group’s potential. This weekend offers an opportunity to show their progress, challenge for a national title and experience a competition we believe is the best U16 event in the country.
A full weekend of futsal
TFC offers the kind of environment we want our young players to experience: a full-size court, matches played to full FIFA rules, 20-minute halves and stop-clock play for part of the competition.
Those conditions demand concentration, good decisions and the ability to adapt as a team. Against strong opposition, players have to put their training into practice under pressure.
Just as valuable is the experience around the matches. For a whole weekend, our squad will be immersed in futsal, surrounded by players, coaches and people who share their passion for the sport.
Many participating clubs, including Braintree, have players involved in the England futsal pathway. For some, the weekend will mean facing friends and familiar faces from that environment—this time as opponents in club colours.
It also brings the opportunity to face clubs from different parts of the country, creating match-ups we do not regularly experience during the season.
Photo: @capturethecourt.
Familiar competition, a fresh challenge
Six members of our squad played in last year’s competition as U15s taking on the U16 age group:
Edward Harrison, Ethan Chibambo, Linas Dambrauskas, Noah Palone, Noah Linscott and Yuvi Gill.
They now return as U16s, bringing experience of the event and another year of development into this weekend’s challenge.
Last year, Braintree finished fifth in Group A with five points and 17 goals scored. COPFC—City of Peterborough Futsal Centre—topped the group and went on to win the competition. They will be among our opponents again this year.
For the returning players, there is an opportunity to draw on what they learned. For those experiencing the competition for the first time, it is a chance to make their own mark.
Photo: @capturethecourt.
A group we believe in
Most of this squad train twice a week and play regular futsal matches. That consistent commitment gives them opportunities to develop their technique, improve their understanding of the game and build relationships on court.
Some members of the group completed pre-season with our senior first team, while many continue to train alongside the senior squad. Working in that environment exposes them to the pace, standards and expectations of senior futsal.
We believe this is a talented group with a high ceiling in the sport. That belief is why we challenge them, set demanding standards and give them opportunities to stretch themselves.
We want these players to see how far they can go in futsal—and to understand the work it takes to get there. TFC provides another valuable test of that development.
Photo: @benpanna_media.
Our TFC U16 squad
Goalkeepers: Max Watkins and Edward Harrison.
Court players: Ethan Chibambo, Gabriel Oya, Jaiden Taylor, Linas Dambrauskas, Noah Palone, Noah O’Sullivan, Noah Linscott, Teddy Ansell and Yuvi Gill.
Lead coach: Jack Harrod.
An opportunity beyond the cup
The weekend also offers an opportunity for players to earn selection for the TFC All-Star squad, with a European trip planned for 2027. The destination is still to be confirmed.
That gives ambitious young players another opportunity to work towards, alongside the immediate challenge of performing for their club and teammates.
For Braintree, the focus is on arriving prepared, competing together and making the most of every match. With strong opposition ahead and the TFC Champions of England title to play for, there is plenty to look forward to.
Good luck to all 11 players representing Braintree this weekend.
#CONQUERTHECOURT
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