Courtesy: North Wiltshire and Kennet Gazette & Herald


Chippenham youngsters hold tournament

Monday 14th December 2009

By Dan Barnes

Young Chippenham footballers tried their hand at futsal and were coached by the England captain along the way.

More than 40 boys from Abbeyfield, Hardenhuish and Sheldon schools have been taking part in sessions coached by England national team captain Luke Ballinger and Chris Ballinger, chairman of Chippenham Futsal club.

Tuesday’s day of coaching culminated in an inter-school tournament at the @futsal centre in Swindon.

Futsal is a version of five-a-side football developed in Brazil and Uruguay and played with a smaller ball.

It is played indoors on a small pitch and encourages close skills.

Two teams from each school were split into two sections, with group winners Hardenhuish A beating Sheldon A on penalties in the final.

Tom Merriman scored for Sheldon in the 1-1 draw with Dan Heavey finding the net for Hardenhuish.

David Henson, chairman of the FA’s Small-Sided Football Committee was present and awarded a trophy to the victorious school.

“It was a fantastic success,” said Chris Ballinger.

“The reaction from teachers and from the kids has been absolutely tremendous."

“It is exactly what futsal needs and it is great to get kids playing it in this country.”

The event was funded by the Mid-Wilts School Sports Partnership.

Ballinger said they are keen to extend the project into other schools in the new year.

“We’re looking to continue our relationship with Mid Wilts schools and it’s great to raise awareness of what’s such a great sport to play.”

Some of the youngsters taking part in Tuesday’s event could also be offered the chance of further trials with Chippenham Futsal Club next year by Ballinger.

“A few shone through."

“We’re hoping to take them on to train with us,” he said.







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