The superb season being enjoyed by the Brent Under-10 Girls squad continued with a silver medal at the Middlesex FA Futsal tournament. This was the first time that the recently-formed team had played Futsal.
Futsal is played over 15 non-stop minutes on an indoor, hard pitch. It is a fast and furious game requiring speed, good technical ability and stamina.
Brent’s first match was against Highgate Rangers, the tournament favorites. Although the team fought hard and had several near misses they ended the game with a four goal deficit and a consolation goal scored by Willow Stone.
Getting used to the pace of Futsal in the latter stages of their match with Highgate helped Brent in their second and final game against Escolla.
Brent reorganised and adjusted their tactics, playing quicker out of defense with Tallulah Swaby pushing the ball forward at pace to Sophie Owen up front who scored a hat trick. Eabha Kennedy – assisted by Willow Corbett and Alba Summer – scored a brace and at 5-0, Escolla finally managed to beat Hannah Derks in goal who had made several fantastic saves. Finally after being very influential throughout, Nancy Wales also got on the score sheet with an assist by Minnie Palmer. Brent ran out 6-1 winners to end an enjoyable first tournament in second place and with the runners’ up medals.
Brent coach Steve Swaby commented: “I am very proud of the girls. Given it was the first time they have played Futsal they did brilliantly”.