On Sunday 22 January 2023 Bootham Futsal Club – York welcomed 9 teams to take part in the first round of the FA Pokemon Futsal Cup. With so many teams entering the competition, the U12s was split between a morning and afternoon tournament. We had an amazing 70 girls represent their clubs and the standard was right up there!

Bootham Futsal Club Eagles were represented by Irma L (captain), Rosie D, Jean P, Seyana P, Freya L, Sylvie B, Maisie M, Alice M-M and Isla C in the morning, and Bootham Futsal Club Falcons by Jessica H (captain), Mollie C, Funmi S, Isla H, Imogen B, Lucy C, Sofia C and Zarah W in the afternoon. With no recognised goalkeepers in the side they all took turns in playing in goal.

The games in the morning were 15 minutes long and 20 minutes in the afternoon, with everyone playing everyone, below are the final league tables:

The morning session was dominate by an excellent Boro Rangers side, with the other sides being closely matched and all these matches being close run affairs with the games being decided by the odd goal. The afternoon session was a much closer affair with Bishopthorpe eventually running out winners after a 5min play-off game against Bootham Futsal Club Falcons.

Bootham Eagles, who finished fourth in their group, had their goals scored by Isla and Jean, with the goals for Bootham Falcons, who were runners up in their group, being scored by Zarah, Imogen, Molly and Jessica. The competition was very strong and with most Bootham girls being the lower age group we were very happy with the work rate and technique they all showed.

Click here to see page one of the images from the day

Click here to see page two of the images from the day

Everyone at Bootham Futsal Club wishes Chloe from Bishopthorpe a very quick recovery after she fell awkward and hurt both her wrists.

Player Of The Tournament For Bootham in the morning: Rosie D – she put in a fantastic performance, tackling players twice her size and never once backing out of a challenge. She also ran very well with the ball and her passing was as good as anyone – fab display from a top young lady!

Player Of The Tournament For Bootham in the afternoon: Zarah W – this young lady has all the tools to go all the way in this sport, she is aggressive, skilful, quick and loves scoring goals. She dragged her side back into pretty much every game today and covered every metre of the court – awesome Zarah!

The overall winners were supposed to be selected by the morning and afternoon winners playing at a later date, but due to availability of the teams, it was decided on the day to award the event to Boro Rangers U12s. They go into the next round and represent North Riding County FA sometime later in the year.

Final Thoughts Of A Coach – That was a long day, we started setting up at 9.00am and left just before 5pm, and boy it was cold in that sports hall today! We have never had so much interest in futsal before and it was great to see 70 girls playing and smiling for their clubs. We saw teams from all over the region enter and hope this is the start of regular futsal tournaments. All we can say is watch this space!

I was very proud of the way the U12s girls all played today. Over 75% of the teams were the lower age group and that one year makes a huge difference in futsal development. They never gave up and came back from losing positions to draw and win games time after time, which showed a fantastic attitude. The games they did lose were all very close and they created chances to win every game. Lots to work on but the future at this age group looks very bright!

A huge thank you to all the visiting teams, their coaches and parents and Suzy, Paul, Katie and Aide for their constant amazing support. The very best of luck to Boro Rangers U12s in the next round, go do the region proud!

Date For Your Diary!

Bootham Ladies Futsal Club – York Vs Derby Ladies Futsal Club

National League North 2

Saturday 28 January 2023

Doors Open 2.15pm – Kick Off 3pm

St Peter’s Sports Hall, Clifton, York, YO30 6AB

Come and support the ladies in their first league game of 2023!

Free to watch and brilliant entertainment!