Throughout January, our U12-16 age groups have been participating in the FAW’s Winter Futsal Festivals.
This exciting new addition to our winter programme saw each of our Development Phase age groups compete against our fellow FAW Academy counterparts in a league-style format.
Futsal is a fast-paced adaptation of five-a-side and is a great tool for helping players to develop their technique, awareness and 1v1 moves.
In addition to the standard futsal rules, the FAW added their own adaptations which included ‘PowerPlay.’
U15s player, Ronnie Lee, being interviewed
This consisted of music being played for periods of the game, and during this time, all goals scored counted as two.
All of our age groups really enjoyed participating in the festivals. During each festival, teams competed to be Age Group Winners, and at the conclusion of the programme, there would be a Club Champion.
Our U12s, U13s and U16s did incredibly well and won their age group competitions.
The U14s were runners-up to a fantastic Connah’s Quay side, while our U15s finished fourth in what was a really good level of competition and deservedly won by a talented Caernarfon side.
The success across the board meant TNS were crowned FAW Winter Futsal Club Champions!
U13s National Champions
The under-14s were also victorious in their age group
Commenting on a really enjoyable few weeks at Bangor University, our Lead Youth Development Phase Coach, Kieran Lee-Birch said: “We have all really enjoyed participating in the FAW’s Futsal Festivals.
“All five festivals were really well organised by Drew Sherman, and the level across all age groups was excellent. It highlights all the great work being done in academies across North Wales.
“The smaller-sided format meant our lads had twice as many touches and opportunities on the ball as they would in 11v11, which was also great. Additions like PowerPlay, player interviews and the competitive element also exposed our players to different challenges.
“It has been an excellent addition to our programme, and hopefully it will go ahead again next season.”
Congratulations and well done to everyone who took part in the FAW’s Winter Futsal Programme.
The under-13s warming up ahead of their competition
