A GROUP of young footballers from Braintree have flown the flag with pride at the World Futsal Cup in Spain.

Having qualified for the global event last year, the under-tens from the Braintree-based club faced sides from all over the world including ones from FC Barcelona and Brazilian giants Santos and Corinthians as well as sides from Australia, Europe, Japan and America.

But the Braintree Futsal club youngsters weren't overawed by being on the big stage and made sure they flew the flag with honour as one of only two English sides involved in the prestigious tournament.

Having been beaten 10-1 in their opening group game by Sport & CIA, the Braintree side followed that with a 3-3 draw against another Brazilain side, Rio de Janeiro Futsal Academy, but they were then beaten 6-2 by US side City Futsal.

Those results placed Braintree in a semi-final against DC Hyper and this time there was joy against American opponents as they won 6-4.

Braintree were unable to follow that up in their final appearance, though, as their tournament ended with a second game against Rio de Janeiro Futsal Academy that ended in a 5-1 defeat.

Futsal is a fast-paced, small-sided football game, with teams made up of five players, that originates from South America, with the focus being on players' technique and keeping the ball on the floor and the Braintree youngsters are coached by Jack Harrod and Frank Burton.