Young sports stars go head-to-head at regional futsal competition (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Young sports stars go head-to-head at regional futsal competition

10:56am Wednesday 13th March 2013 in News

FUTURE sporting stars have showcased their skills at a regional competition.

Youngsters from four schools across the North-East took part in the South Durham Futsal Competition, hosted by Hummersknott Academy, in Darlington.

Year seven boys from The Academy at Shotton Hall, in Peterlee, St John’s School and Sixth Form College, in Bishop Auckland, Egglescliffe School, near Yarm, and Hummersknott Academy went head-to-head during the competition, which was a qualifying round of the Football Association’s National Youth Futsal Festival which will be held in June at the Birmingham International Arena.

The regional competition was won by the team from the Academy at Shotton Hall.

Tina Reed, football development officer for education at Durham County FA, said: “The County Youth Futsal Festivals provide a great opportunity for young players to be introduced to futsal, as for many players it is a brand new format.

“We run the festivals for both boys and girls and find the players really enjoy it. We also find that many schools include futsal in their schools’ football programme following the festivals, which is great for the development of the game.

“We would like to thank Hummersknott Academy for hosting our U12 boys’ event.”

Futsal, which originated in Brazil, is a five-a-side game played on an indoor court with a heavier ball. It develops creativity and improves ball control and passing skills.