Bootham Ladies Futsal Club played their first friendly game of the upcoming season. The ladies haven’t played since the last game of the 2021-22 season in April. The game was played over four 20 minute periods with a constant clock.

Representing Bootham were Kim S, Katie S, Suzy C, Ellie W, Niamh T, Denva C, Sophie W, Rowan T and development players Ellie R, Katie D and Ava W.

Period 1 – A good start by Bootham but they just couldn’t find the net and as is with futsal, with the last kick of the period, York University scored, 0-1.

Period 2 – The goals finally started to come with good finishes from Niamh, Ava, Sophie and Rowan with two. Goalkeeper Katie also hit the bar with a great solo effort. Two late goals from York left the game at 5-3 to Bootham.

Period 3 – As players started to tire, goals became harder to come by and the game got very stretched. Two early goals from York closed the gap, but late strikes from Niamh and two from Katie D stretched Bootham’s lead again, 8-5.

Period 4 – With players from both sides struggling to get forward, possession became key, and a final strike from Ellie R finished the game:

York University Futsal Club 5 – Bootham Ladies Futsal Club 9

After the game we spoke to coach Chris who said, ‘I am really pleased by the performance today, some of the players haven’t kicked a ball since April, so to put on that performance showed real character. We created lots of chances but the York goalkeepers were outstanding and really made us work for our goal. Huge thank you to York University for hosting the game, and we wish them all the best for the future.’

When asked about the development players, he said, ‘We have to put these players under pressure in a controlled environment, they have to see the game at first hand and what it is really like. They all did brilliant today, and hopefully in the coming months we will have more games in which other development players can play. We have such a fantastic group of players coming through and I know they are desperate to play for the ladies.’

Bootham Ladies Futsal Club are looking for friendlies over the coming months from any ladies football/futsal teams that are over 16. We can host on a Friday evening or Sunday at St Peter’s School in the centre of York. We will cover all the costs, just drop us a note for more info at info@boothamfutsalclub.co.uk