But this isn’t with World Cup Group 6 Qualification at stake. Instead, it’s a showcase of the official FIFA Five-a-Side, otherwise known as Futsal, during the Grassroots Football Show at the Excel Exhibition Centre

Futsal is fast, skilful and encourages the development of technically gifted players. In fact it was the staple diet of some the world’s leading footballers such as Ronaldo, Figo and Roberto Carlos when they played the game as youngsters. There are also professional leagues in place all over the world in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Russia, Japan and Brazil.

Steadily picking up a head of steam on these shores, Futsal leagues have been springing up across the country. In March The FA announced the beginning of 26 new leagues to find the 16 finalists for the 2005 FA Futsal Cup.

Last weekend in Sheffield, Doncaster College for the Deaf made history by becoming the first ever disability team to win a major mainstream football competition by lifting The Cup.

On an International front, under the guidance of Graeme Dell, England have been gradually improving since their first ever game in January 2004. Though still awaiting their first victory, with more participants enjoying the game, the future is looking good.

"It is a very steep learning curve for us but we are making progress,” says Dell.

"We started the national team with a blank sheet of paper and gradually the shape of this exciting game is taking shape. We are in an education phase and this takes time and patience, which we have."

The two fixtures against Poland on Saturday and Sunday evening will be a tough test for Dell’s young Lions with the visitors positioned at number 27 in the world rankings, with England currently ranked 66th.

If you are interested in getting a real taster of the game, pop down to Docklands this weekend. These Internationals are being staged as part of the Grassroots Football Show and entrance is free for spectators arriving after 4.30 pm on Saturday 16 and 4.00 pm on Sunday 17 July.

Seating for groups of 10 or more can be reserved by contacting dermot.collins@TheFA.com  

Directions and further details on the Grassroots Football Show at Excel, and for tickets, click here.