Josh Novis: Brighton to International Futsal Academy
How has the start of your first year at the International futsal academy been and how have you settled in?
Personally the start of the year has been very good, I feel that I’ve improved a lot in a short space of time and I think that is mainly down to working hard in training every day and having the players and coaches around me that keep pushing me to go further. I feel that I’ve settled in well mainly because I’m living with my team mates, which straight away makes you feel more comfortable and relaxed about the whole situation of living away from home for the first time.
What made you want to join the International Futsal Academy, study at Loughborough and are you pleased with your decision?
The reason for joining the International futsal academy is because I’ve fallen in love with the sport since first playing it with Brighton & Hove Albion through the Football League Trust. I wanted to keep playing futsal and reach my full potential and I thought the IFA was the best decision to achieve that because of the coaches and players here. Studying at Loughborough is very good especially if you love sport like me because the facilities are amazing and that’s the main reason why Loughborough interested me so much. I’m really happy with the decision I have made. No regrets on joining the International Futsal Academy.
What is your previous experience of futsal and how does the International futsal Academy compare from what you have experienced so far?
I first started playing futsal in 2013 for Brighton & Hove Albion and was also fortunate enough to attend the England Futsal Centre of excellence training camps. The International Futsal academy is a massive step up from the FLT league and I have found playing in national league challenging but I’m very confident that collectively and personally we can do well this season.
How do you feel you are developing and how is training going with the IFA and Loughborough United?
I feel that I’ve developed a lot since being here mainly because the standard and work rate is always high in training. Training is going really well personally and as a team we are constantly learning and trying new things which I really like.
What academic degree are you studying and what career do you hope that will take you into?
I’m currently studying Business & Management and I’m hoping this can lead to a job opportunity in the football industry because it’s something I’m passionate about and football as a business is massive all over the world.
What would be your advice to a student or player considering coming on the IFA from September 2016?
I strongly recommend joining the IFA because you don’t just develop as a futsal player but from what I’ve found so far it makes you become a better person just because of the enviourment you are in every day.