Events

On Sunday 3 July 2011 our year eight futsal team travelled to Birmingham to compete in the National Futsal Finals. They were competing in the age group above (under 14) so many of the players they were playing against were a year older, so as they departed at 4:45am they knew that they were in for a tough day. Arriving at the venue at 9:00am we were all impressed by the purpose built facilities and the organisation of an event for teams from all over the country, it was clear that our team were going to be competing against some of the best Futsal players in the country but our Year 8 team have never been shy of a challenge. With their first game against The Radycliffe School at 11:15 the team had plenty of time to consider their tactics and strategies and to check up on their opposition. The game of Futsal is fast paced, very skillful and very hard work with a short but intensive 11 minute game where a lot happens very quickly.

Their first game was to prove successful with a 3-2 victory over the Radycliffe school with a fine finish with the outside of Tom McGuirk's foot, a close range Alfie Paxman goal and the winner coming with the last kick of the game, Dan Adams showing great character under pressure to score the winning penalty.

Our next game at 1.00pm saw the team compete against Brunts School, a contest where we found ourselves 0-1 down but pulled it back to 1-1 with a good team goal involving good work from Mileham down the wing to allow McGuirk to slot home, unfortunately Brunt School scored with a few minutes remaining and despite a couple of late chances and fine Foster effort striking the foot of the post with literally the last kick of the game we were to miss out on a point from this game.

Next came Inter Youth, this game was closely contested with Holden having to concentrate at the back and Tucker making a string of fine saves. One attack led to us being 0-1 but again the team showed character and continued to battle towards the end of the game gaining their just rewards with an excellent finish from Adams to see the game finish 1-1.

Going into the last game at 3:00pm the team still had a chance of making the semi finals and they performed as such. Conceding an early goal made the task harder and going 0-2 midway through the game made it a real struggle but once again their character came through, Todd Jordan pulling a goal back with a calm finish. The gap once again became two as the opposition made it 3-1 with three minutes to play. Despite fatigue setting in the team kept going and Paxman scored to make it 2-3, a frantic last minute ensued but we just fell short of the equalising goal. So with four points from four games we were out but without a doubt the team could hold their heads up high.

All in all it was an excellent experience for all involved, it was pleasing to see our young team learn lessons from last year's experience at the same event and to see them compete with skill and courage against talented, older and highly capable opposition in a national competition. Congratulations to all involved in a successful trip and event.

Team
Henry Tucker
Dan Adams
Harry Holden
Alfie Foster
Todd Jordan
Tom McGuirk
James Mileham
Alfie Paxman

Mr Wallace and Mr Towe