With the U14s back in league action in the Junior Futsal League in Hull, and the Race for Life taking place in the centre of York, numbers were very low today, especially with the rain belting down outside. That said, the players who did turn up were brilliant, and the overall level of futsal was top notch.

With the sports hall feeling particularly cold, we didn’t want anyone standing around, so after a quick, active warm-up we went straight into a high-energy session. We played 6v6 on half a court, with two coaches, and kept the objective simple: shoot early and often.

The focus was on receiving with the right body shape to get shots off quickly, reacting to rebounds by following in every effort, and supporting the player on the ball to ensure each attack ended with a shot. Early on, players took extra touches, but as the session progressed they really embraced the challenge, looking to shoot first time and increasing the tempo of play.

By the end, the quality of finishing was excellent, with some brilliant goals flying into the top corners and giving the goalkeepers no chance.

First Hour – Charlotte C – Another of our “mighty mice,” Charlotte has made huge strides over the past few months. She’s really faced her fears and now throws herself into tackles with confidence. Unfazed by the size of the opposition, she competes brilliantly and wins her fair share of 50/50s. She also has a great eye for goal and isn’t afraid to drive forward with the ball, causing real problems for defenders. With her big sister already in the England Development squad, you wouldn’t put it past Charlotte to make it two in the future!

Second Hour – Miesha – By far the youngest in the group, she worked tirelessly all over the court today. She showed great composure, consistently trying to play passes rather than just clearing the ball, which is excellent to see at her age. She carried the ball well, showed real intent going forward, and topped off her performance with a couple of excellent goals. A fantastic effort and definitely one of the brightest prospects in the club—keep up the great work, Miesha!

So let’s play the million pound game… if someone handed us a million pounds to invest in our futsal club, what would we do?

First, we’d build a purpose-built venue. A proper home for futsal, with seating, a full-sized court with futsal-only markings, and a coloured electronic scoreboard to create a real matchday experience.

Second, we’d invest in our women’s team. Players would be paid, training three times a week with an additional fitness session built in. All coaches would also be paid, with access to medical and physio support for the players. Full kit would be provided, including futsal-specific shoes, and the club would own transport to get players to and from fixtures. Away trips would include overnight hotel stays to ensure proper preparation and recovery. We’d also invest in high-quality match analysis to support player development.

Third, we’d establish a dedicated U18 squad. They would train twice a week, have full kit provided, and compete regularly against strong opposition from across the UK. Players would be reviewed consistently and given a clear pathway into the women’s first team. To broaden their experience, we’d take them to international tournaments, exposing them to different styles and the highest levels of the game.

Finally, we’d build a thriving youth academy, starting from age 8, creating a clear development pathway right through the club. The focus would be on technical development, confidence on the ball, and a real understanding of futsal, ensuring the next generation is ready to step into the older age groups and beyond.

Ah well, we can all dream…

Anyone out there know someone with a spare million pounds? If you do, please give them my number… thank you!