I was a bit rushed this morning, slept in… just tell anyone! That said, it was well worth being there as some of the futsal was on fire. We have so many new girls who seem to have just slotted straight in and the older ones look like they have been practising over summer!

Back to proper coaching this week, and we have started a difficult topic for the players to get their heads around – the idea of approaching the player with the ball, rather than making space for them to play in. It’s all about making the defenders have to make decisions, and trying to create overloads and if possible, space to play in. We started very simple, with a couple ideas for them to think about, and then moved this into a match, seeing if they could apply any of what they had learnt. Considering this is not a simple idea to apply, all the girls did brilliantly, and we were very impressed. Top marks to the last group who decided the best way to ‘instigate’ an approach, was to shout APPROACH at the top of their voices!!!!

Session Plan

Players of the Week:

First Hour – Lottie H – she is such a good player, very tenacious but also able to pass and shot as good as much older girls. One for the future we think…. what this space!

Second Hour – Jean P – She asked so many good questions this week, with great answers to our questions and some fantastic first touches in the matches also, top job Jean!

Third Hour – Ellie M – She stood out today as one player who got the process and gave it everything, so good to watch and left a big smile on the coaches faces! Awesome Ellie!

Fourth Hour – Ava G – She has all the skills in the book and looks so comfortable on the ball, but today she added that little bit of space and really used her body well both winning and defending the ball. Looks like the sessions with the ladies have shown her the next level. Ladies very soon Ava!

Final Thoughts Of A Coach…

A short piece this week, and one I have no answers to. Over the last 2 weeks the FIFA Futsal Men’s World Cup has been going on in Uzbekistan, and they are down to the last 16, but you would have no idea due to the lack of support from the UK media. England have just announced the reforming of the Men’s National side and the Women travel to Moldova next month for their first ever games in their World Cup qualifiers. Personally, I would have thought this would have been an excellent opportunity to promote the game, especially with the new National Futsal Series starting, but nothing from the FA.

Honestly, I have no idea why, and I fear they might not even promote the men’s and women’s games if they are shown on any media platform. The game is growing in the UK, and it needs exposure to help take it to the next level. What better way to help grow the game than showcasing the amazing talent we have in both men’s and women’s national squads, surely this will only help to inspire the next generation of futsal players?

 I guess these are questions that only the FA can answer….