Pitch skills

With the Youth Cup in full swing and local teams topping the leagues, Shire looks at the growing sport of futsal

ThePokémon Futsal Youth Cup is heading towards a dramatic final in June. But many people still haven’t heard of the game that is sweeping the nation, with teams from across Cheshire in particular embracing the newfound sport.

Futsal is an exciting and dynamic game that focuses on technical skill in tight spaces. Played using a smaller, heavier ball and with fewer players than traditional 11-a-side football, it’s a fast, frenetic and fun way to improve technique and control on the pitch and mastery of the ball. It is open to boys’ and girls’ teams from under-10s all the way up to under-16s.

Stars of the season

The current tournament was launched and backed by legendary football commentator Clive Tyldesley, who said: “Futsal is the perfect way to build your skills and prepare you for the traditional game. Focusing on accurate passing and strong ball control, futsal has been adopted by some of the