OVER 150 fans flocked to the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre to watch Reading Futsal Club take on five times English champions Helvecia Futsal Club in an exhibition match.

And they were treated to an entertaining afternoon as the two sides played three matches, two of which were won by Helvecia and one which ended 1-0 to the hosts.

In futsal each team plays with five players, including the goalkeeper, and the game is played on a smaller pitch and with a smaller ball to encourage creativity and skill.

Helvecia are currently ranked as the best futsal side in the country and represent England in UEFA European Futsal Cup.

Reading, who play in the second division of the Midlands National Futsal League, struggled to get to grips with the champions in the first game and were beaten 5-0.

The hosts grew in confidence in the second encounter and Andrew Micek scored their opening goal as they went down just 2-1.

The improvements continued in the final match and a goal from Raphael Biaux ensured Reading claimed a memorable 1-0 win.

Reading Futsal Club head coach Fernando Silva said after the match: "A big thank you to our supporters, players and people helping out with this event.

"We were playing with the best team in England and it was very important to get this kind of experience before the start of the National Futsal League in October.

"Our goal is to win the league and get promoted to the first division of the National Futsal League."

Helvecia Futsal head coach Wilson Ronaldo Negrao praised the atmosphere and support at Loddon, saying: "We are very pleased to come to Reading to play this friendly match. We are all very impressed with how everything is organised. We only see this number of people watching a futsal match when we play the finals. It was a great atmosphere and we would love to come back for another friendly soon."

Reading are looking for sponsors as well as help with running the club and coaching ahead of the new season.

They are also starting futsal sessions for children and for more information visit the website www.readingfutsal.co.uk or call 07983950710.