We are delighted to have been awarded a grant from the Barclays Community Football Fund, being delivered in partnership with Sported. The grant will be used to support the Ladies’ team through the 2022/23 futsal season.

Futsal is the FIFA-recognised form of small-sided indoor football. It is played between two teams who each have five players on the pitch at any one time, with rolling substitutes and a smaller ball than soccer that is harder and less bouncy. The small amount of space means players must have great technique and skill, and as well as a professional sport in its own right with national and international championships, it is also considered a development tool for 11-a-side football.

The Barclays Community Football Fund launched in 2022 will be offering grants and support resources to grassroots groups. The fund will primarily support young people in deprived or underrepresented areas through local organisations, many of whom are not yet benefitting from the wider football pyramid.

Sported is the largest network of community sports groups in the UK, supporting more than 2,600 groups to help disadvantaged young people build confidence, gain skills and get their lives on track.

Chairman Coach Chris said in conversation, ‘We are delight to receive this grant from Barclays and Sported. The cost of running a women futsal team in the national league is far from cheap and any help we can get allows us to concentrate on the games. Support like this shows how important female sport is to the general public and we encourage all females, of any age, to get involved in any sport to help with their mental and physical wellbeing.’

He went on to say, ‘Having the ladies’ team is vitally important to the club as it provides that pathway from the youngest players at U8s right through to the open aged participation. Last season we saw 6 ex-academy players rejoin the club and represent the ladies’ team, and this season we have 2 young ladies who will graduate from the academy into the ladies’ team. We have a five year plan in place to enable us to join the elite of female futsal in England, but we will never lose sight of our core belief that we are a club that is open to all females.’

‘My wife and I formed the club 5 years ago with the intention of providing an environment that was welcoming and open to any females from any background to come and try futsal. We work very hard to promote an inclusive club that is based around fun and participation, rather than winning and trophies. We still have females playing for the club who came on day one, so we must be doing something right!’

If you would like any information on the girls’ or ladies’ sections of the club, or if you or your business can support us in anyway, please contact Chris Collins on 07720 441953 or email info@boothamfutsalclub.co.uk

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