With the U14s playing their National Plate Semi-Final at 12:30pm, we were once again reduced to just three hours of coaching. Numbers were very light, still not quite sure why, but the players who were there absolutely worked their socks off, and we saw some brilliant futsal in a very hot sports hall!

Today’s focus was on finishing and the importance of either scoring or putting the ball dead. Players took turns attacking the goal from a range of positions, straight on, from an angle, or from the touchline. If the goalkeeper made a save, she immediately threw the ball into a target goal before the attacker could recover and stop her.

It didn’t take long for players to realise why it’s so important not to give the ball to the goalkeeper, otherwise, they were in for a long, hard recovery run!

Players of the Week:

First Hour – Ivy A – It was brilliant to see Ivy back at training this week! She’s such a pleasure to coach, full of enthusiasm and courage, never afraid to take risks, and always gives 100%. Fabulous day, Ivy!

Second Hour – Emily C – One of the most improved players across all age groups this year. Emily was at her best today, making her trademark crunching tackles, playing some lovely passes, and even scoring a goal or two! The future is very bright for this one. Awesome work, Emily!

Third Hour – Connie W – One of the unsung heroes of the club. Connie turns up, works her socks off, plays some lovely futsal, never complains, is brilliant to coach, and does it all with a smile on her face. She is one of the true hearts of the club. Thank you for everything, Connie!

Final Thoughts of a Coach…

With our U15s about to travel to the clubs’s first ever international tournament, we look at what this can do for the players. Playing futsal abroad is more than just a great experience, it’s a powerful tool for player growth. Stepping into a new environment challenges players to adapt quickly, think faster, and sharpen their skills against different styles of play.

In futsal-rich countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy, the game is played at a higher tactical and technical level. Players learn through faster tempo, smarter movement, and higher expectations, accelerating development in ways that domestic competition often can’t match.

It also builds character. Navigating new cultures, languages, and team dynamics fosters independence, resilience, and confidence, qualities that translate directly to better on-court performance. International experience stands out. It shows ambition, adaptability, and a commitment to growth. For young players serious about their future, playing futsal abroad can be a game-changer.

Futsal is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and the game is evolving fast. Playing futsal abroad offers young athletes a unique chance to accelerate their development in ways that simply aren’t possible at home. For those ready to embrace the challenge, it’s not just a trip, it’s an experience that can shape their game and their character for life.

Coach Chris