‘The Fernando Way’: Maidenhead United pay tribute to Futsal coach Fernando Silva after departure – Photo 1 of 1

Fernando Silva

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Maidenhead United have confirmed the departure of their futsal coach Fernando Silva for personal reasons.

Silva helped found Reading Futsal Club in 2013, which now falls under the Maidenhead United banner. He has renamed the club three times and made great progress both on and off the pitch.

Since the club was founded, much has changed and evolved, with Silva having filled almost every conceivable role within the club.

Fernando, currently manager and club president of the women’s team, has also overseen the club’s academy and men’s side during his 10-year tenure, helping the club provide thousands of children and adults with the opportunity to develop their game through Futsal.

Maidenhead released a statement this weekend about his departure, thanking him for the tireless work he has done for the club, its players and the Berkshire community.

Club top scorer Josh Gillespie was one of many who infected Fernando with a love of indoor football.

He said: “When I first came to the club I had little experience or knowledge of the game, but something about Fernando’s passion gripped me and I had to know more.

“Since then, I have fallen in love with the game he taught me and the club he founded and developed into what it is today: one of the best in the country.”

He continued: “I know I’m not the only person Fernando has given the opportunity to love the game. In fact, there are probably thousands of people he has coached and influenced over the years, but I am very grateful to have been one of them.”

During his time as coach for the academy – when it was known as the Reading Royals – Silva organized trips to international tournaments in Spain and Belgium.

Jacob Evans, current first-team player and academy graduate, recalls how useful these tournaments were for his own development and that of his teammates: “When we left, the quality of the teams our age was at another level .It was probably the fastest learning curve we’ve ever had as a group.

“When we came back from that tournament, we started beating all the adult teams we played against – it really took our game to the next level.”

Current women’s team captain Sarah Thompson said: “Fernando has coached us tirelessly throughout, with his commitment and dedication second to none.

“I honestly think I can count on one hand the number of sessions he has missed.

“He often came straight from work, had only just finished, but always with a passion and energy for indoor football.”

Jamie Fahey, a former coach of the club, is another player who fell in love with futsal thanks to Silva’s dedication and influence.

Fahey said: “My youth players – all grown up now – still talk about the thrill of playing the Champions League tune during his league matches.

“It’s all part of what I call ‘the Fernando way’.”

He also remembers a skill he learned called the “Fernando pause,” which players often used during practices and games.

“I learned the hard way how Fernando could play, and his breaking ability became legendary in training as he effortlessly dominated possession,” he said.

“The ball was like his lasting legacy. It is impossible to take it away from him.”

Another trick Silva had in his locker was his iconic ‘sole roll’. It would appear as if he would stop on the ball before rolling forward again, leaving you with a short acceleration – although he himself will admit that the acceleration has slowed down over the years!

Rich Oxley, manager of the men’s team and club chairman, expressed his gratitude to Fernando and feels fortunate to have found Fernando early in his futsal career. Rich said: “Fernando introduced me to the culture of indoor football and so much knowledge and passion for the sport. Fernando gave me insight into futsal and sparked a love for futsal that is still strong today. I don’t think I’m alone in this.”

Thompson summed up perfectly what many who have met Fernando Silva think of him. She said: “Fernando has been more than just a coach to me, more than that, he’s a great friend and one of the most amazing people I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing for.”

After building a club from the ground up, Silva leaves the club having left a great legacy; he has certainly created a club to be proud of.

“Everyone at Maidenhead United would like to thank Fernando Silva for his endless contributions and wish his family all the best for the future.”