Schools claim Futsal Tournament doubles

Oxclose Community Academy and St Bede's RC Comprehensive secured unique doubles at Foundation of Light's first EFL Boys Futsal Tournament on Friday. Under 13 champions Oxlose and Under 15 winners St Bedes will represent Sunderland AFC in the Regional Playoffs joining their schools' female teams who were victorious in the Foundation's Girls Futsal competition earlier this month. In a tight group, Oxclose edged out Wellfield School 'B' by a single point to advance while St Bedes eased through their section undefeated, scoring 10 goals and conceding just two.

We've been delighted with how well both tournaments have gone. We've had over 170 youngsters taking part in the sport – many of them for the first time – which was great to see. The games were very quick and competitive with the players eager to show off their skills.  We'd like to congratulate Oxclose Academy and St Bedes and thank all of the schools for making the tournament a huge success.

Helen Byrne, Foundation of Light’s Premier League Primary Stars Events Coordinator

Thank you to Belmont School, Wellfield School, Oxclose Academy, St Bede's RC Comprehensive and hosts Hetton School for taking part. Futsal is the world’s fastest growing indoor sport, showcases close ball skills, increased touches, quick decision making, creativity and tactical nous. Some of the world’s leading football stars, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, honed their ball skills with futsal. The free-flowing game has witnessed significant growth throughout England and Wales over recent years, as a sport in its own right and as a fundamental part of football development.