The euphoria of the FEB UGM futsal team’s victory at the 2025 Gadjah Mada University Sports and Arts Week (PORSENIGAMA) still lingers. The cheers of supporters and the players’ celebrations were not merely about claiming the championship title, but also about perseverance and togetherness that transcended national boundaries. One such story belongs to Nathan Colin Thomas Farrell, a student from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, who became an integral part of FEB UGM’s journey to the top.
Nate, as he is commonly known, is an exchange student at FEB UGM until June 2026. During his approximately four months of study at UGM, he blended in through sports. His love for football, something he has pursued for nearly 15 years in England, led him to join the FEB UGM futsal team. For Nate, futsal is not just a game but a universal language for adaptation and building relationships.
“I joined the FEB UGM futsal team because I really love football and futsal. Besides that, it’s the best way for me to contribute and get to know the sports culture at UGM,” Nate shared.
He described the training process with the FEB UGM futsal team as enjoyable and supportive. Nate admitted that language was a challenge at the beginning of his studies at FEB UGM. However, this did not deter him from continuing to adapt. He even took the initiative to learn Indonesian to understand the coach’s instructions better and improve communication with his teammates.
“Language was a challenge at first, but everyone was very open and helpful. I also learned Indonesian so I could be closer to the team and better understand the coach’s directions,” he said.
Nate’s adaptation did not stop at communication. He also adjusted his playing style to match the team’s characteristics and the Indonesian climate, which is much hotter than in England. The coach’s role in devising tactics while maintaining team cohesion proved crucial to this process.
The highlight of Nate’s journey with the FEB UGM futsal team came at PORSENIGAMA 2025. The lively match atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd support left a deep impression on him.
“The support from the fans here is incredible. The atmosphere is very different and gave us huge motivation throughout the matches,” Nate remarked.
During the tournament, Nate made a tangible contribution, including scoring a crucial goal in the semifinal that sent FEB UGM into the final. Playing as a striker with a target-man style typical of English football, he utilized his physical strength to create space and opportunities for his teammates.
The team’s chemistry developed exceptionally well thanks to the family-like atmosphere and the openness of its members. Nate also felt full support from his teammates, coach, and manager, covering tactical preparation and physical conditioning, as well as injury management. According to him, the key strengths of the FEB UGM futsal team lie in solid defense, consistent performance, and high motivation from all players.
More than just winning the championship, his experience at FEB UGM taught Nate valuable lessons about having the courage to blend in and making the most of every opportunity. He also encouraged FEB UGM students to participate in sports while maintaining their academic responsibilities actively.
“Sports activities are very beneficial both physically and mentally. As long as you can manage your time well, the experience you gain will be extremely valuable,” he advised.
Although he will eventually return to England, Nate said he will always carry fond memories and pride for being part of the FEB UGM family. He also hopes that the FEB UGM futsal team can continue to maintain its achievements and claim more championship titles in the future.
Report by: Orie Priscylla Mapeda Lumalan
Editor: Kurnia Ekaptiningrum
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