Ahead of the UEFA Futsal Champions League, we caught up with Tomas Uniatowicz
Background and Beginnings
Born and raised in Heaton Chapel, Stockport, Tomas "Tom" Uniatowicz has been passionate about football from a young age. “I’ve played football since I was six years old and have been part of various academies over the years,” he shares. His journey into futsal began at ten when a friend introduced him to the sport. “I enjoyed the constant time on the ball and the fluid attacking and defending nature of futsal,” he recalls. This new game quickly became a significant part of his life, enhancing his technical development on the football pitch and providing regular exposure to high-level competition.
Futsal Journey
Tom's early futsal experiences are filled with memorable moments, particularly his tours in Spain. “Going to Spain multiple times on tour and playing against top teams like Elpozo and Barcelona was incredible,” he says. These experiences not only improved his skills but also deepened his love for the game.
Playing for Manchester Futsal Club has been a transformative experience for Tom. “Despite only playing for the first team for a year and a half, I’ve experienced two grand finals and two league cup finals,” he notes. The constant training with high-level and experienced players has been both challenging and rewarding. “It has allowed me to pick up things that have aided my development as a player and as a person.”
Key Skills and Insights
Tom believes that creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork are essential skills for success in futsal. “You need to be able to unlock doors as an individual and do so in combination with your team,” he explains. He appreciates the constant involvement required in futsal, contrasting it with football. “You get 10 times more touches of the ball and have no way of hiding from play.”
Unlike many players, Tom doesn’t have strict pre-game rituals or superstitions. However, he notes, “I suppose being on the speaker in the changing rooms before the game could be one, as we are yet to lose a game when I’ve been on the speaker.”
Goals and Aspirations
Tom has clear aspirations within futsal. “I want to represent the England senior team on the international stage and play in the Champions League main round,” he states. Hosting the Champions League is a monumental moment for the club and for futsal in England. “I feel proud to be a part of it and to share it with my family and friends.”
The aspect he looks forward to the most is seeing how the team and himself compare to the best players in Europe. “I’m interested to see whether we will overcome them and get into the next round,” he says. To prepare, Tom is pushing himself both physically and technically, whether during team training or individual practice.
Community Impact and Advice for Young Players
As a coach at the club, Tom has seen the impact futsal can have on young people. “The sport develops all parts of your game and also develops you as a person,” he explains. He highlights the social benefits, noting that players come to sessions from all over Manchester, fostering new friendships. His advice to young players starting out in futsal is simple: “Always learn and take one thing out of the sessions you go to.”
Life Outside Futsal
Outside of futsal, Tom coaches private 1-to-1 football sessions through his initiative, tu1to1coaching. “I enjoy sharing my experiences and knowledge of both football and futsal to help develop young players to be the best they can be on the pitch,” he says. This passion for coaching allows him to influence the next generation of players, blending the skills and insights from both sports to create well-rounded athletes.
Preparing for the UEFA Futsal Champions League
Hosting the UEFA Futsal Champions League is a significant milestone for Manchester Futsal Club, and Tom is eager to be part of it. “Hosting the Champions League is monumental for the club and for futsal in England,” he says. “I feel proud to be a part of it and to share it with my family and friends.”
To prepare for this prestigious event, Tom is focusing on both physical and technical aspects of his game. “I am pushing myself both physically and technically, whether it’s during team training or doing individual bits by myself,” he explains. The chance to compete against Europe’s best players is a challenge he eagerly anticipates. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the level is like from the best players around Europe and seeing how the team and myself compare to them.”
Impact on Young Athletes
Tom’s role as a coach at Manchester Futsal Club gives him a unique perspective on the sport’s impact on young athletes. “Futsal develops all parts of your game and also develops you as a person,” he explains. He emphasises the social benefits, noting how players come to sessions from all over Manchester, creating opportunities for new friendships.
A Passion for Coaching
Beyond his playing career, Tom’s passion for coaching shines through his private 1-to-1 football sessions (tu1to1coaching). “I enjoy sharing my experiences and knowledge of both football and futsal to help develop young players to be the best they can be on the pitch,” he says. By combining elements from both sports, Tom aims to create a holistic training approach that prepares young athletes for success in both futsal and football.
Tomas "Tom" Uniatowicz’s journey in futsal is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. As he continues to evolve, he remains a pivotal figure in Manchester Futsal Club’s promising future, inspiring the next generation of players with his experience and knowledge.
Come and catch Tom and Manchester Futsal Club in the UEFA Futsal Champions League this August. Tickets are available now at www.manchesterfutsalshop.com
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