Following the girls teams participation in Futsal, the Men’s Futsal club in Kendal is also gaining momentum with almost 20 regular players, highlighting the increasing popularity of the small sided format. For more details on this please click here
More than 100 girls have been playing the 5aside format of the game during the winter break of the South Lakes Girls League. The smaller and heavier ball has given teams the opportunity to focus on skills with the quick and technical nature of the game providing a great platform for developing individual skill.
Following a successful pilot competition in January 2011 with Ibis going on to represent the county at The FA’s Regional Futsal Competition, the league planned additional festivals this season to ensure girls continued playing over the winter months. With December, January and February notorious months for postponed fixtures due to frozen or waterlogged pitches, the SLGL committee organised three events to guarantee matches for players during this period.
The first event took place in December at Dallam School, Milnthorpe with Chetwynde School, Barrow the venue for the second festival on Sunday 8 January 2012. Both events were well supported by girl’s teams across the area, ranging from Under 12's through to Under 16's with approximately 16 teams in each. Another opportunity for girls to get experience in Futsal is fast approaching, taking place at Dallam School on Sunday 5 February 2012.
The South Lakes Girls League has also encouraged school teams to enter the festivals, to increase the profile of girl’s football in the area as well as increase the number of girls playing the game.
Any girls wishing to have a go, or get involved can contact Helen Aitchison, Girls and Women’s Football Development Officer on 01539 730946 or email Helen.Aitchison@WestmorlandFA.com
As part of The FA National Youth Futsal Festival, Westmorland County FA in partnership with the South Lakes Girls League will be holding a County competition on Sunday 4 March (details to be confirmed). This county competition will be open to clubs and schools with the winning teams progressing to the Regional competition in Liverpool in June.
The FA National Youth Futsal Festival’s primary role is to act as a catalyst to stimulate and support the ongoing youth development of Futsal across the country.