News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Is futsal the way to beat the winter blues?

Is futsal the way to beat the winter blues?

Les Roberts16 Mar 2018 - 15:48
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.achoylake.com/news

AC Hoylake Galaxy U14s have taken the futsal world by storm - so is futsal the perfect way to beat the winter blues.

The 2017/18 season will surely go down as one of the worst on record for getting fixtures played - you can count on one hand the number of games some of our teams have managed to play between the end of November and now - and the relentlessly wet weather means it looks like we could be in for yet another weekend of cancellations.

But the coaches of AC Hoylake Galaxy U14s have come up with an interesting idea to cancel out the cancellations - take a winter break and play futsal instead.

Here's what AC Hoylake Galaxy under 14s coach, Paul Baker, had to say about this revolutionary (not to mention, eminently sensible) idea...

Futsal is the future

"I've been coaching at AC Hoylake with Carl Porschke for about nine years, now - starting off with tots at age five, right through to the under 14s this season.

"About six years ago, Carl suggested we try out futsal and, after entering a few tournaments, we quickly realised this was the future - not only were the kids guaranteed a game (it's played indoors, so no waterlogged pitches), but the rules of the game means all players get plenty of time on the ball, which helps develop their awareness, close-control, and improves their game in every way.

“We joined Wallasey Futsal League at St Mary’s college and came very close to winning the league. The next two seasons saw us move to the TRFC Futsal League, and then to the Wirral Futsal League, played at Mosslands school, where we once again finished second but were beginning to get noticed and earned some brilliant reviews for playing futsal the right way and being fantastic to watch.

“Our newly-found notoriety saw us get an invite to play against Everton girls futsal team, who were not only a couple of years older than our team, but also undefeated - until they played us!

“Then last year, we got asked to represent England at the Wrexham tournament with teams from Wales Australia and Wrexham futsal team, we played amazing and won the tournament in the most dramatic style – you can read all about our amazing win, here.
“And, to cap of an amazing couple of years, we went back Wirral Futsal league this season and won the league without losing a match!

“Futsal has been fantastic to the players involved, making them more confident and make right decisions.

“Having seen how my team has developed from playing futsal, I strongly believe the local Wallasey and Eastham Leagues should have a winter break from December to March, during which time all teams play in an organised futsal league – guaranteed competitive football for all!”

Should we take a winter break and play futsal instead?

Not only would it guarantee competitive football right across the winter months, not having to slog through a muddy pitch for an hour would genuinely benefit every player, and make sure our pitches are in great shape during the warmer months.

And there’s no reason why the junior football season has to run concurrently with the professional season, so why not have a separate indoor league during the colder months, and an outdoor league that runs during the warmer months?

We’d love to know what you think – let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

Further reading