Sheffield United Academy has beaten the best teams in the country to become the champion U10 Futsal team in a sport rapidly growing across the nation.
Its Under 10 boys team saw off strong competition from 60 of the best young Futsal teams in the country in the National Youth Futsal Festival at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport (EIS Sheffield).
They went on to beat Wycombe Wanderers to net the title.
Barnsley Academy’s U14 girls also reached the final of their tournament but were beaten in the final by The Denes High School.
Teams of U10, U12, U14 and U16s had qualified through regional heats and professional club Academies also sent teams to the U10 competition.
Sheffield United Centre of Excellence also competed during the weekend in the U10 Girls competition.
The competition proved the increasing popularity of Futsal football in Sheffield and the rest of the country.
The FA’s Small-Sided Manager Simon Walker said: “Each year The FA National Youth Futsal Festival gets better, and this year’s event was exceptional.
“The quality of the Futsal being played in all age-groups was outstanding and helps to demonstrate the rapid growth of Futsal in schools and youth clubs. The future success and development of Futsal in this country is very much dependant on young people continuing to gain opportunities to play the game, and the National Festival can help to encourage schools and other agencies to provide more localised Futsal competitions for children.
“The atmosphere at this year’s event was electric and it was great to see the enjoyment of the young players at playing Futsal and attending an FA national event.”
James Hope-Gill, Chief Executive for Sheffield & Hallamshire FA said “I would like to congratulate the young Sheffield Academy Futsal players and coaching staff on this fantastic achievement. Competition at these national events is high, and to go on to win at this level is a fantastic achievement. Sheffield & Hallamshire FA are fully committed to the development of Futsal in this region and giving as many people the opportunity to play the game.”
Futsal is a type of indoor 5-aside football played with a smaller heavier ball. The game is played to pitch lines and hockey-sized goals, which helps to encourage improved decision making and technical skill from young players.
