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Pupils set to compete in county Futsal competition

28 November 2008

Pupils from 18 secondary schools across Derbyshire will compete in the indoor game which is played with a low bounce ball, with a boys’ county final taking place at Alfreton Leisure Centre on Monday, December 8.

A girls’ final will follow in early January.

More than 600 pupils have already taken part in intra-form competitions within their schools, and five-a-side teams have now been selected to represent each school.

Each school will play in one of three leagues, with the winning school from each league playing off in a round robin to find the overall winner for Derbyshire.

The event is being supported by Derbyshire County FA and Derbyshire Schools FA.

Derbyshire Sport Competition Manager Phil Basterfield said: “The event has been well received by all the teachers and pupils who have been involved with the game. I think many are now seeing the benefit as the game develops skill and creativity.

“We’ve had around 600 pupils playing the game within their school and expect more than 100 at the county final. I have also had confirmation that the winning school will have the opportunity to represent Derbyshire in the FA National Futsal Competition in July so it’s a really positive step in developing the game and pathways for our young talented performers.”

Futsal is a game developed in South America, based around skill and creativity with the ball.

It is the format of Small Sided Football that is recognised and supported by FIFA and UEFA with World and European Championships for club and National Teams.

The name 'Futsal' simply combines the Spanish words for ‘Hall’ – Sala and ‘Football’ – Futbol into Futsal. It is a five-a-side game, played with hockey sized goals and a smaller ball with a reduced bounce. As a small-sided game players are constantly placed in situations where they must receive or play whilst under pressure or in confined spaces and it places considerable demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness.

The schools taking part are: John Flamsteed Community School, William Allitt School, Saint Benedict Catholic School And Performing Arts College, Newbold Community School, Swanwick Hall School, Belper School, Granville Community School, Ecclesbourne School, Mill Hill School, Alfreton Grange Arts College, Wilsthorpe Community School, Long Eaton School, Friesland School, Bennerley School, Ilkeston School, Saint John Houghton Catholic School, Kirk Hallam Community Technology College and Brookfield Community School.