Courtesy: FAI Futsal Portal


Fingal Futsal Fiesta!

Tuesday, 31 March 2009

Last Wednesday saw the conclusion of the third annual FAI/Fingal CC under 12 Futsal League. The League, which runs annually from January to March provides the clubs with two futsal matches a week for 10 weeks during the winter months. The league was organised by FAI Development Officers Denis Hyland and Sharon Boyle and proved to be a massive success with 10 different clubs comprising over 100 enthusiastic youngsters competing for the inaugural Fingal Invitational Cup.

Futsal is the official UEFA and FIFA version of indoor 5-a-side football and originated in Brazil in the 1930’s. The game is credited with having a major influence on the technical development of young Brazilian players and has been played by all the greats from Pelé and Zico to today’s stars, Ronaldo, Ronaldhino and Robinho.

The league semi-finals and final took place last Wednesday evening with Portmarnock FC, East Meath United, Trinity/Donaghmede FC and Woodlawn FC looking to take home the trophy.

The first semi-final saw Woodlawn FC defeated 5-2 by a very strong Portmarnock outfit while Trinity/Donaghmede defeated East Meath Utd 6-3 in a high scoring and very exciting game. Both Portmarnock and Trinity hosted a memorable final with an impressive display of skill from both teams. In the end the only difference was some clinical finishing from the Portmarnock side which saw them edge out Trinity 5-2 to become champions for the second year running.

Afterwards Paddy White, Portmarnock FC Coach said, “It was a fantastic and well organised tournament, the kids really looked forward to Wednesday evenings, you could see a massive improvement in their technique and composure on the ball as the weeks went on. I think this is the answer to waterlogged pitches and no games being played during the winter months”.

Denis Hyland, the FAI / Fingal CC Community Development Officer in the area was also delighted with the success of the 10 week League:
“We are entering a new era in Irish football, with Futsal at the forefront. I can see leagues similar to this appearing all over the country in the near future as the benefits of Futsal to young people become clearly evident to coaches and clubs around the country”.







Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com