Courtesy: Ilford Recorder



Canon fire their way to nationals

28 May 2009

CANON Palmer School in Seven Kings will represent Essex at a prestigious FA National Youth Futsal Festival in Sheffield in June after coming out on top in an under-14s event for years eight and nine children at Redbridge College, Romford.

The powerful Canon Palmer side beat local rivals Caterham 6-4 in an exciting extra-time play-off to mark the 16th game of a successful competition, organised jointly by the Essex County FA and the college to establish who would be the pride of Essex at the national event planned for June 28.

James Datson, manager of the victorious Canon Palmer side, was delighted with the win.

"We've had a good year, reaching the semi-finals of the London Cup and winning nine of our 12 matches, so the boys were looking forward to a good end to the season in this Futsal competition," he said.

"The lads are very much looking forward to their adventure in Sheffield, and are even talking about winning it!

"I'm sure the standard will be high, but I know the boys will give it their best and who knows what will happen when we get there.

"Having taken part in Futsal for a couple of years now, it's a great addition to any form of training for footballers as it encourages quick passing, movement and teamwork.

"This experience has brought the group of pupils closer together and I'm sure it will not only give them the confidence next season in their school football, but also their own individual teams at weekends."

Lana Bond, schools and education development officer for the Essex County Football Assocation added: "Futsal enables players to fully express themselves in a game that is fast and furious and exciting to be a part of.

"This was the first time we'd run an event for under-14s boys and I think that the winner having the chance to play in Sheffield was a great incentive in attracting teams to the competition.







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