Teesdale School scores with Futsal starter pack

IT’S football, but not as we know it!

Teesdale School has received a free Futsal starter pack.

Futsal is a five-a-side game, normally played on a flat indoor pitch with hockey-sized goals and a size four ball with reduced bounce.

The fast-paced game is played across the world and is officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA.

Regarded as an important and growing game, it is hoped that the provision of equipment and courses will lead to the development of more Futsal players, leagues, competitions and facilities across the country.

Teesdale School’s starter pack contains goals, futsal balls, bibs and coaching equipment which will contribute greatly to the PE curriculum as well as extra curricular activities for pupils in all year groups.

The starter packs are designed to adapt existing sports halls, playgrounds and other hard surface facilities to make them Futsal-ready and come courtesy of a £300,000 Futsal scheme, which is funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation.

The nature of the game places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high pressure, and is subsequently an excellent breeding ground for football competencies that can be translated into the 11-a-side format of the game.

Dan Pilling, PE teacher at Teesdale School, said: “This equipment will contribute greatly to our students extra curricular activities and the students are really looking forward to using it.

“We have also recently appointed a specialist sports coach who will be running lunchtime and after school clubs so this Futsal equipment will provide a lot of enjoyment for the children who attend these clubs as well as contributing to PE lessons.

“The whole of the PE department would like to thank The FA and Football Foundation for the original investment.”