For what seems like an eternity, with no games for any age groups this week, we were back to 3 hours coaching at St Johns. Having edited and watched all the matches from the various games, we have noticed a few things that we know we an help the players with – call it lessons from the tape!

When players restarted the game from both kick-ins and corners, they often struggled to keep possession. Futsal is fundamentally a possession based game, and the longer your team controls the ball, the less chance the opposition has to create scoring opportunities. From the videos we noticed that players were giving the ball away too easily, either by attempting passes that were far too ambitious or by overlooking simple, safer options that were easy to execute. This included failing to recognise the value of passing back to the goalkeeper or to a deeper supporting player.

We also observed that players were running towards the ball in order to receive it. This made the court feel much smaller than it actually is and gave the opposition an easier chance to win the ball back. In response, we worked with the players on using the full width of the court, creating better spacing and making it harder for opponents to apply pressure effectively.

First Hour – Iris W – She zipped around the court with boundless energy, made fab tackles, and showed off some seriously impressive skills. Her smiles were as big as her plays, and her teammates fed off her excitement. Iris brought the fun, the effort, and the magic today! Top job Iris!

Second Hour – Emily C – She played with fantastic energy and confidence, and her dribbling took a big leap forward—she kept the ball glued to her feet like it was her superpower. Emily battled for every play, encouraged her teammates, and brought a huge dose of fun to the match. Awesome work, Emily!

Third Hour – Beth F – She played some genuinely fab stuff with smart passes, strong challenges, and calm, confident play whenever things got busy. Her hard work might not always grab the spotlight, but it makes a massive difference, and today it really showed. Outstanding effort, Beth!

For young players, competitive games are more than a test of skill. They are a vital part of development. Training builds technique, but competition reveals how those skills hold up under real pressure. It teaches decision making at speed, emotional resilience, and the ability to adapt when plans inevitably break down.

Playing in meaningful matches also builds confidence. When young players see their efforts translate into real outcomes such as a successful tackle, a composed finish, or a smart pass in a tight moment, they begin to trust their abilities. That trust cannot be replicated in training alone.

Competition also exposes players to different styles, stronger opponents, and unpredictable situations. These challenges accelerate growth and help young players learn faster while becoming more versatile.

It is also important to remember that not every young player wants to play competitive games, and that is completely fine. Some learn best in training environments or enjoy the sport for reasons that do not involve match play. Their pathway should be supported just as much.

Giving young players regular competitive experience is not only beneficial but essential for those who want it. It prepares them for higher levels of the game, strengthens their mentality, and lays the foundation for long term success.