The Futsal Premier League 2022 culminates in finals day on Saturday 28 October at Pulman Arena for the men, with the women's final at the Peak in Hamilton on Saturday night. 

This is the first year the league has had separate men's and women's teams competing, after two years of COVID-affected competitions. 

"We're very happy to get to the Futsal Premier League Finals day, just for the players, referees and coaches to be  out there enjoying some play," said NRF Community Futsal Lead Marvin Eakins. 

"The standard's been great, the way the teams are set up means there's a real variety of experience among the groups, with everything from national team and Super League players alongside some youngsters - that's pretty cool."

"These up and coming players are being exposed to a level of play they've not had before, I think they've had a really valuable experience, and some have popped up and scored a few goals, it's been great."  

Futsal Finals Day - Saturday 29 October 

Pulman Arena Takanini

9.00am 5th Place Game Tarawera Thunder vs Sporting Karapiro

10.00am Men's final: Ellerslie AFC vs Papakura City FC

11.30am 3rd/4th: North Harbour vs winner of 5th place game

The Peak, Hamilton 

6.30pm Women's Final: Papakura City FC vs Ruapehu Dash

"It will be interesting to see how the playoffs go and what the coaches can come up with," said Marv Eakins.  

"In the men's final it's Nic Downes coaching Papakura City against Ellerslie FC, coached by Elias Billeh, who is Nic's assistant coach at Auckland City Super League Futsal, so that's going to be a really tactical battle." 

"Then at Peak Arena on Saturday Night we've got Ruapehu Dash coached by Kieran Mischewski taking on Papakura City, coached by myself. City have only lost to the Dash all season, so that'll be tough. Papakura have Maxine Cooper, who scored five goals in her last match, so if she has her shooting boots on we'll have a shout." 

"Having the clubs involved in the league has been awesome and really adds flavour and engagement to the competition, even just seeing players run out in the kits has been great. We've really appreciated the resources and support they've brought. " 

"It all leads nicely into the Super League which starts in November, and we'll look to build on this momentum for next year," said Marv Eakins.  

Article added: Friday 28 October 2022