Courtesy: Nelson Mail


Waimea boys make good first impression

03/04/2013

At their first attempt, Waimea College sent out a message to the rest of the secondary schools in New Zealand with a result and performance outweighing their limited experience, achieving third in the junior boys' section at the national secondary schools futsal championships in Wellington.

During the competition late last month, Waimea College progressed through the group stage unbeaten, scoring 29 goals and conceding just eight.

Waimea College was up against 12 of the best teams from around New Zealand and lost only one game in the whole tournament, 3-1 to eventual champions Lincoln High School.

Coach Nigel Pugh said it was a remarkable achievement.

"They're a talented bunch and a pleasure to work with and I am excited by the prospect of seeing the improvement the boys will make as a result of their experience in Wellington, both on the futsal court and ultimately the effect it has on their football," Pugh said.

Six of the 10-man squad were new to futsal at a competitive level, highlighting what was a stellar performance over the two-day competition, with the futsal development officer describing them as "a class act".

Futsal is one of the fastest growing sports in New Zealand and is considered an integral part of the development of footballers in the world's major footballing nations, from Spain to Brazil.

Pugh said the emphasis in futsal was on improved ball control and technique, decision-making, movement and spatial awareness, all of which are great attributes for budding footballers.

He would love to see other colleges "take the plunge", to create more local competition, and then get involved on both a South Island and national level.

For more information about futsal, phone Nelson Bays Futsal development officer John Vaughan, 547 4436, 027 547 4436, or email johnv@orcon.net.nz.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com