With the U11s set to face Brayton Belles later in the day, we once again trimmed the session to three hours. The weather may be warming up, but the futsal on display was absolutely scorching! The players showcased incredible energy, quick feet, and sharp decision-making, making for an action-packed session full of intensity and flair. Confidence is high, and the players look ready to bring that same fire to their upcoming match!

After last week’s introduction to the four ‘D’s of out-of-possession play, we built on that foundation with focused drills on 1v1 and 2v2 defending. The players worked on defending a corridor, learning to force attackers wide and away from goal while maintaining patience and discipline — avoiding the temptation to dive in and get beaten too easily.

To give defenders a clear objective, we added a challenge: if they won the ball, they had to attempt a pass through two cones, reinforcing the importance of transition play. Out-of-possession topics can feel like hard work, as progress isn’t always immediately obvious, but the players knuckled down and showed real determination. The results were fantastic, with noticeable improvements in positioning, composure, and teamwork!

Players of the Week:

First Hour – Beatrix P
One of our newest players, Beatrix never shies away from a tackle! We’re gradually helping her think before clearing the ball, and today, she showed fantastic composure in possession. A brilliant step forward—great job, Bea!

Second Hour – Emily C
She may not be the biggest, but she has one of the biggest hearts in the club. Emily never misses a tackle, plays with confidence, looks so assured on the ball, and does it all with a smile. A joy to coach and undoubtedly a star in the making. Fantastic session, Emily!

Third Hour – Toni S
So glad to have Toni back in training—she’s a serious talent! Though a little rusty today, those flashes of brilliance were still there. Give yourself time, keep working hard, and most importantly, believe in yourself! Great to see you back, Toni!

Final Thoughts Of A Coach…

Younger players are often hesitant to use their voices during sessions. Whether it’s uncertainty, shyness, or the fear of saying the wrong thing, many hold back — especially when playing with teammates they don’t know well.

We place a huge emphasis on creating the right environment — one where players feel safe, supported, and encouraged to express themselves. Through fun team-building activities and plenty of positive reinforcement, we help them find their voices. Whether it’s calling for the ball, organising the defence, or simply encouraging a teammate, we want communication to feel natural and instinctive.

As their confidence grows, so does their presence on the court. The transformation is fantastic to see — not just in their words, but in the way they carry themselves and engage with the game. By playing competitive matches against new teams, players have the opportunity to develop their voices and step into leadership roles. This doesn’t just improve their confidence in futsal but also in school and friendships — it’s a true win-win for everyone!

Coach Chris

Here are a few pictures from the week: