Sunday 29 June 2025

After a very long journey the day before and a late-night parade through the streets of Montesilvano, which felt more like a Brazilian Mardi Gras than a team arrival, the girls faced their first game of the tournament.

Arriving at the venue, they were met with the sight of a full-sized international futsal court, forty metres by twenty, bathed in relentless sunlight. The temperature had already climbed to thirty-three degrees, and the heat clung to the air like a weight. For many of the players, it was their first time seeing a court of that size, let alone stepping onto one. It was intimidating.

Adding to the challenge, their opponents were Bloomsbury, the academy team of the reigning Tier 1 National Futsal Series champions. On paper, it looked like a mismatch. The kind of fixture where experience and pedigree should dominate. The question on everyone’s mind was simple. What would the girls do?

First Half

The girls began with real focus and intensity, settling quickly into the pace of the game despite the unfamiliar size of the court and the heat. They defended with discipline and teamwork, frustrating Bloomsbury’s early attempts to break through.

Although chances in attack were limited, the girls worked tirelessly to hold their ground. Every player played their part, pressing, covering, and battling for every ball. For much of the half, they looked composed and competitive.

Midway through, Bloomsbury found a way through, scoring two quick goals that shifted the momentum. But Bootham didn’t fold. They regrouped and continued to fight, showing heart and resilience.

Heidi in goal was exceptional. Time and again she came to the rescue with sharp reflexes and brave stops, keeping Bootham in the game.

Half Time: Bootham 0 – 2 Bloomsbury Gold

Second Half

Buoyed by a motivating team talk at the break, the girls came out with renewed belief and energy. They stepped up a gear and began to play with more confidence, pushing forward and putting Bloomsbury under real pressure.

Chances started to come. Molly, Eleanor, and Heather all went close as Bootham began to ask serious questions of the Bloomsbury defence. For the first time in the match, it was the opposition being forced to dig deep.

Despite their efforts, the breakthrough just wouldn’t come. The ball refused to fall kindly, and the final touch was always just out of reach.

It wasn’t the result they wanted, but the performance in the second half showed the true character of the team.

Full Time: Bootham 0 – 2 Bloomsbury Gold

The live feed from the tournament:

And the highlights from the organisers:

Post-Match Reflections

After the final whistle, Coach Chris shared his thoughts on the performance:

‘I think, all things considered, that was a pretty special performance. Most of the girls had a long day of travelling yesterday and then the parade through the city was amazing but also exhausting. So to step onto a court of this size, in that kind of heat, and compete the way they did was incredible.

At half time, I asked them to believe in themselves more, to trust their ability and take a few more risks. They did exactly that. We caused Bloomsbury a lot more problems in the second half but unfortunately we just couldn’t find that first goal. Still, there is a lot to be proud of today.‘

Images from day 1 – all curtsy of Suzy Collins: