EveryoneWhat started out 12 months ago finally came to fruition on Monday evening.  Pro Coaching Academy coach Chris Collins has always wanted to see secondary schools play each other in competitive futsal matches.  It has been a long hard road getting people to believe in the game, to see the benefits and just getting schools involved.  But after hearing ‘Futsal what?’ from many, many people he finally got there.

On Monday night Manor CE Academy hosted a girls’ game against Millthorpe School and Manor boys Manorhosted Huntington School.  Over 30 players from years 7,8 and 9 were featured in the games of 15 minutes, and each game was staggered so the girls played their first half, then the boys, the girls played their second half and finally the boys finished off.  We believe it is the first time EVER in York that secondary schools have played each other at competitive futsal!

Some amazing skills were on display and for some players this was the first time they have ever played in any type of competitive team game, let alone represent their schools.

Girls’ Match

Isobel F and Grace from Huntington teamed up with Manor to take on what on paper looked a very strong Millthorpe School side.  Millthorpe started very well, passing and keeping the ball and Katie in the Manor goal was kept busy with plenty of shots.  Millthorpe took the lead when a quick break led to aMillthorpe solo run and shot by Millthorpe captain Denva.  Manor created chances and as the half worn on Rachel and Ruby went close.  Half Time – Manor/Huntington 0 – Millthorpe 1

As the players started to get tired the game was end to end.  Manor grabbed an equaliser when Ruby played in Grace, who scored from a narrow angle.  But 5 minutes later Denva gave the lead for Millthorpe when she scored from a quick corner.  Back came Manor with a superb solo goal from Isobel F to make it 2-2.  Another corner proved to be the undoing of Manor as Isobel C scored at the near post.  With time running out a great through ball from Kimberly was finished smartly by Ruby and that was it!  A fair result as both teams had played brilliantly.  Full Time – Manor/Huntington 3 – Millthorpe 3

Click here to the stats sheet from the game.

Boys’ Match

Manor made the perfect start when Oli converted Joel’s cross after only 10 seconds!  Within a minute HuntingtonHuntington where level through Tom S.  Manor retook the lead with a smart far post finish from Oli.  He completed his hat-trick with the goal of the night when he smashed the ball high into the Huntington net.  Manor well on top at this stage with a 3-1 lead.  A quick break from Eddie and a smart finish saw Huntington get one back.  Huntington then got lucky when a shot from Max was deflected into the Manor goal by an unlucky defender, 3-3.  Just before half time Huntington took control of the game with first a long-range shot from Joe and then Tom M scored from close in. Half Time – Manor 3 – Huntington 5.

Manor started the second half brightly and grab a goal with a toe poke from right in front from NoahEddie restored Huntington’s 2 goal lead with a run from halfway.  He completed his hat-trick a minute later with a smart left foot finish.  Max grabbed Huntington’s 8th with a cool finish.  He also grabbed his hat-trick when the ball rebounded from Tom C into his path.  Manor rallied late on and scored through Lee to make it 5-9 but late goals from Joe x2, another hat-trick for Huntington, and Eddie saw the scoring finish.  Full Time – Manor 5 – Huntington 12.

Click here to the stats sheet from the game.

Manor CE Futsal Club has received funding from North Yorkshire Sport through their Satellite Club scheme. Satellite Clubs are extensions of community sports clubs, and are usually run by sports clubs who bring their expertise and enthusiasm to places where young people already meet and feel comfortable. Jane Ratcliffe, Development Manager for North Yorkshire Sport said “Research has shown that the step from school or college sport to community sport can be too great for young people and is one of the main reasons that so many 11 – 25 year olds drop out of sport. Satellite Clubs aim to make it easy for young people to stay in sport, try a new activity or start playing sport for the first time”.

Head Coach at Pro Coaching Academy Chris Collins said afterwards ‘What a great advert for futsal and the schools that were represented.  We were blown away by the techniques on show and some of the goals were simply breath-taking.  We want as many secondary schools as possible to get involved and we want to work towards a York Schools Futsal League with weekly matches throughout the term.  We know this is a long way off, we will need a sponsor and a venue, but tonight the first steps were taken, I’m extremely proud of what we saw tonight.’

To see more images of the games please click here.

He went on to say ‘As a teacher if you want futsal at your school please get in touch.  All three schools are now desperate to play more matches and we want this to grow.  The atmosphere in the sports hall tonight was electric and the support from all the teams had to be seen and heard to be believed.  Please don’t miss out and let’s get your school involved!’

Huge thank you for the massive support from Mrs Collins at Manor CE Academy, Mr Paley at Huntington School and Mrs Eames at Millthorpe – without you all we wouldn’t have got there!

We are already planning the next games, would you like your school to get involved?  Please get in touch and register your interest with Pro Coaching Academy today!

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