On Wednesday 18 April 2018, Bootham Girls Futsal Club played their first ever competitive futsal match. And what a first match! They were asked to play a group of touring Australian U14 girls at the University of York. The Australians were drawn from states all across Australia.
They played 25 minutes each way with a continuous clock, and the players were allowed to pass back to the goalkeeper, otherwise it was normal futsal rules.
The team was:
Bootham Futsal Club – Chloe, Tegan, Abbi, Drew, Niamh, Katie, Kimberly, Alice, Lily, Robyn
First Half
The game started even with both sides keeping possession well and defending deep. First chance of the game came on 5 minutes, when following Robyn corner, Kimberly completely missed her kick in front of an open goal. On 11 minutes a quick break from the Australians saw them then strike the post, with Abbi in the Bootham goal well beaten. On 14 minutes the Australians took the lead with a well worked goal and a great finish inside the D.
Click here to see pictures from the game
Within in a minute, Abbi in the Bootham goal produced the save of the match when she came out bravely and saved with her feet against the onrushing Australian player. Just before half time York got their rewards when persistent play from Robyn saw her steal the ball before calmly placing into the far corner, leaving the Australian goalkeeper no chance.
Half time Bootham Futsal Club 1 – 1 Australians
Second Half
Second half started with an immediate goal to the Australians, with a cross shot into the far corner of the net. But within 6 minutes Bootham had drawn level when a long-range shot from Alice squirmed under the Australian goalkeeper. A minute later, a mistake from the Bootham defence gifted the ball to the Australians and the scored from right in front.
Click here to see video highlights of the match
On 19 minutes the Australians extended their lead when a low shot wrong footer Abbi in the Bootham goal. Bootham hard at the end to tray and reduce the score but ran out of steam and just couldn’t beat the Australian goalkeeper and tough defence.
Full time Bootham Futsal Club 2 – 4 Australians
Girl Of The Game – Chloe – who covered pretty much every inch of the court in a dominating captains display, she never gave up and was a real rock in the Bootham defence.
In conversation afterwards Coach Chris said ‘Wow, what a performance. We knew it would be a very difficult game, against a very strong opposition, but the girls did exceptionally well. I am so proud of each and every one of the them. We have to remember this team has only been together 15 weeks, so to run this team so close is a remarkable achievement. I would like to thank all the parents who came out to support, what an amazing atmosphere everyone created. I can’t quite believe this game just happened! Huge thank you to Junior Roberti at York City Futsal Club for helping to arrange this game’
Click here to see the statistics from the game
He went on to say, ‘We never expected the support we have had, and the club is going from strength to strength, it is amazing. We still have a few places in the U10s and U16s categories, but other than that we are pretty much full.’
