With the first games of the season for the U13s and U15s in the West Riding Girls Futsal League taking place in Batley on Sunday, we were down to just two hours of coaching at St John’s.

We continued the theme of giving players lots of game time, with matches played across two smaller courts. The main focus was ensuring players had plenty of touches on the ball. We encouraged them to think about how the smaller courts changed the way they played. Players were challenged to score in several different ways, including stopping the ball on the goal line, dribbling through cones, and using offset goals.

It took some players a little time to adapt to the new formats, but gradually they began to get to grips with them. Players stopped simply belting the ball and started thinking about how to move both the ball and themselves around the court. It was great to watch, and there were lots of smiles from everyone!

 Players of the Week:

First Hour – Charlotte C
We love this young lady! She never stops smiling, always gives her all on court, and today showed off her great footwork too. Charlotte loves scoring goals but isn’t afraid to dig in when it matters. Top job, Charlotte!

Second Hour – Emily W
Emily stepped up to play with the older girls for the first time and, after a nervous start, showed she can more than hold her own with the big guns. Fantastic footwork, very coachable, and one of the best in the club when running with the ball. It’s going to be a great season for Emily!

 Reflections from the Sidelines..

The Philippines will make history from 21 November to 7 December 2025 as it hosts the first ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup. Sixteen national teams from all six confederations will compete in Pasig City.

This tournament is more than a championship. It is a catalyst for the next generation of players. By giving female futsal its own world stage, the event provides young girls with role models they can see and aspire to become. With international stars playing at the highest level, young athletes everywhere, including in the UK, will be inspired to pick up the sport and develop their skills from an early age.

For the UK, where futsal is steadily growing but still underrepresented in the women’s game, the World Cup offers a clear chance to boost investment, improve coaching standards and create stronger youth pathways. Schools and local clubs can use the momentum of the tournament to set up indoor futsal leagues, youth festivals and training camps that attract new players. Increased media coverage of the event will also help raise awareness, encourage participation and give British girls the confidence to see futsal as a real sporting option alongside traditional football.

In essence, the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in the Philippines is far more than a sporting event. It is a turning point for futsal, for women’s sport and for a new generation of players, including those in the UK, who will shape its future.

A few images from today: