With the U11 game later the same day, Sunday training was reduced to one 90-minute session, with all age groups mixed together. It may have only been one session, but the players worked their socks off!

Today, the girls focused on changing the direction of play. The court was split into three zones and, from any kick-in, the team in possession could change the goal they attacked depending on which end zone they visited first.

Futsal is very much a 360-degree game, with players needing to be aware of everything happening around them. Footballers often become one-directional players, so we have to challenge them to think differently. Games like this are not straightforward because the players are using their brains as much as their feet!

We started slowly, but one team quickly understood how to use the rules to their advantage and really ran the show. Others struggled to see how the exercise helped, so it’s definitely something we may revisit in future sessions.

First Hour – Jess H – One of our longest-serving players, Jess has missed a large chunk of this year through injury, but she is showing she is right back to her best. Confident on the ball and never once backing out of a challenge, Jess brings quality and determination every single session. She will head to Italy as Vice-Captain, and we know she will play a huge role within the squad. Top player and an even better young lady — we’ve missed you, Jess!

I want to set the record straight. The players deserve it, the parents deserve it, the club deserves it, and I deserve the opportunity to speak openly after what has been an extremely difficult few weeks.

Recently, the club was contacted regarding a safeguarding concern involving parents, an opposition player, and serious allegations connected to our club.

First and foremost, any safeguarding matter involving a child must always be treated seriously. We fully support that principle and always will. We also wish the player and family involved all the very best moving forward.

In the 9 years since Bootham Futsal Club was formed, we have only ever received positive feedback about our players, parents, coaches, and the way we conduct ourselves both on and off the court. Because of that, these allegations were deeply upsetting for everyone connected to the club.

As any responsible club should, we immediately referred the matter to our experienced safeguarding officer. All relevant parties were spoken to, information was gathered, and we fully cooperated throughout the process. Another coach and I also spent hours reviewing match footage in an attempt to understand the concerns raised.

After a thorough three-week investigation involving interviews, statements, and reviews of all available evidence, no evidence whatsoever was found to support the allegations made against Bootham Futsal Club or anyone associated with it.

While we are relieved by that outcome, the process has understandably had an impact on our players, parents, and coaches. Many have been left feeling anxious and concerned about the possibility of similar situations arising again in the future.

Over the summer, as a club, we will reflect carefully on everything that has happened and discuss what comes next.

I would simply ask that safeguarding concerns are always raised responsibly, carefully, and with evidence where possible, because these situations can have a very real impact on volunteers, families, and young players.

Coach Chris