This project is about interesting people, from interesting places, doing interesting things today in Northern Ireland. It is funded by the Shared History Fund.
Did you know there’s a Lithuanian managing some of Northern Ireland’s best futsal today? Do you know what futsal is? Neither did we – until now!
Meet Darius Dielininkaitis, who until very recently was Manager of Sparta Belfast Futsal Club (at the filming of this vlog, Darius was managing Sparta Belfast) and is the current Assistant Manager for the Northern Ireland National Team. Futsal – traditional football’s indoor, five-a-side ‘cousin’, which boasts a smaller pitch and ball, and more fist fights – has quickly emerged as Europe’s fastest growing sport. Darius has been integral to the rise of its popularity locally.
Sparta Belfast made Northern Irish Futsal history when they won both the national league and cup. They then travelled to Austria to compete in the UEFA Futsal Champions League for the first time.
Though they didn’t make it out of the first round on that occasion, the team – and the league – have since built on this momentum. Belfast’s Rosario FC competed in the following year.
Darius and his players have made significant strides on the national front, too. They have competed annually in the Home Nations Futsal Tournament , with Northern Ireland hosting the tournament in Newry in 2018. NI entered qualification for the FIFA World Futsal Cup for the first time in 2019 and for the UEFA Euro Championships in 2020.
In fact, Northern Ireland played their first 2024 World Cup qualifier match yesterday (5th April) in which they drew against Israel. Their bracket will be competing between 6th – 8th April for a shot at the World Cup and can be viewed here. Be sure to give them a shout and your support!
No doubt, with Darius’ passion and knowledge of the sport, it’s only a matter of time until Northern Ireland is competing against the very best across the globe.
The IFA’s Futsal League has now spread across Northern Ireland, bringing local and migrant communities together around the sport they love. A faster-paced game than football, it can also be enjoyed year-round no matter what dismal Northern Irish weather has to say.
Darius, originally from Klaipeda, Lithuania, is proud to be living in Northern Ireland and being able to represent the country:
It says something about Northern Ireland that I can come here as an immigrant and, not only make a life for myself and my family, but also be able to do what I love every day while representing my new home on the world stage. I am tremendously proud to be ‘here’.
Well Darius, we are tremendously proud to have you here! Instead of hearing from an American on how to play this lovely sport, just take it from Darius, who is as Here-ish as they come!
