Futsal kings are crowned in Blackpool

The first FY:Futsal champions have been crowned after a grand finale for each age group at Blackpool Sports Centre.

Over 1,000 young players were involved over three months, with 120 teams taking part, hundreds of goals scored and enough smiles to light up the darkest of winter.

The conditions have been ideal for players to show off their skills, while parents and supporters have been able to stay warm and dry, while also enjoying the background music.

The Under-7 competition featured teams from across the North West, with the Fylde coast represented by Fleetwood Town, Clifton Rangers and BJFF. It was the River Juniors team from Liverpool who won the group and the trophy.

The outstanding Escola FC team from Manchester dominated the Under-8 competition and fully deserved the crown, finishing undefeated.

The Under-9 finale was an all-Fylde coast affair as the group comprised Clifton Hornets and Wasps, as well as teams from St Annes, Lytham and AFC Blackpool.

In a very even competition, the key clash was between favourites St Annes and Clifton Hornets. Hornets defied the formbook by taking the lead, which their keeper Kian Horsfall protected with a great penalty save.

That result left all five teams with a chance of the title, which the Hornets won on goal difference from the Wasps, St Annes and AFC Blackpool.

The Under-10 competition also produced some wonderful games.

Lytham played some fine football but their finishing let them down as River Juniors again emerged victorious, also overcoming the challenge of Clifton, Fleetwood Town and Blackpool Rangers.

Two Clifton teams flew the Fylde coast flag in the Under-11s event. Bolton Futsal, River Juniors and HR Corinthians (another Liverpool side) provided a great test and the latter emerged victorious in a competition which kept everyone on the edge of their seat.

Finally in the Under-12 competition, BJFF and Poulton found the teams from Huyton too strong and it was the unstoppable Spartak Huyton who took the title.

Plans are now in place for an FY: Summer Slam, with under 13-16 teams involved, and for next year’s winter league to include a girls’ competition.

For all enquiries and any further information about the sport, please contact [email protected].