Representing Glossop were Noah, Mikey, Lewis, Ethan (Stoney!) and Dylan from the Under 10’s and Jo Jo, James C, Ethan and Tommy in nets from the under 9’s.

Everyone had studied the rules over the weekend and with only a couple of players having touched a futsal before avidly watched the first two games including the Coaches Ben Mills and John Chattington who were also learning !

Nigel Dunkerley took on the role of statto and super fan and provided the following summary of the games-

Some great performances today. Game 1 v Abraham Moss saw a JoJo corner finished by Noah, our first ever futsal scorer at under 10. The second goal was headed in by JoJo from a strong Ethan Stone corner. We lost 3-2 having been two up but a great start to the u10 Futsal career. Game 2 against Manchester Futsal second team saw some good strong tackling by James, Noah and Dylan. We lost 2-1 but Ethan's high pass was finished by Dylan in style. Game 3 v Manchester Futsal 1st’s was the turning point and despite no goal from the team they didn't concede either. A good save by Tommy kept them in the game and Ethan Lumb came very close at the other end. Noah was injured but was back in action for the last game and credit to him for playing on. A very creditable 0-0 against the team which would run out overall winners on the day. Game 4 v UK Futsal was to show how quickly the lads had learned how to play the game. Lewis scored on 2 minutes, and added to his tally later. James scored as well with a header (ouch!) which made it past the dubious goals committee …just! Tommy got enough on the ball to make some fine stops. However, the UKFA got one back and then Mikey scored an amazing goal by dribbling past about 4 players and finishing in style. This became the last kick of the match and Glossop won 4-1. Report – Nigel Dunkerley

Overall it was a fantastic experience for all involved, the tournament was well run and refereeing the best I have seen at junior level. We didn’t quite make the regional finals having lost 2 games by the odd goal but a draw against the winners and win against UK Futsal will go down in futsal folklore. The Glossop players learned quickly throughout the morning and were the strongest side once we adjusted tactically, got used to subbing and the rules and went for it. Most importantly their behaviour on and off the pitch was a credit to their club, parents and coaches.

This is a fantastic game for developing close ball skills in a friendly safe environment and I would recommend it to anyone! We will be back next year ……

Viva GNE! Viva Futsal!
Ben Mills