Scoil Eoin and Pope John Paul Malahide progress from Dublin 15 Futsal Qualifiers

Futsal is an indoor version of association football: It is played between two teams of five players, one of whom is the goalkeeper, and up to seven substitutes per team: Unlike some other forms of indoor football, the game is played on a hard court surface delimited by lines; walls or boards are not used: Futsal is also played with a smaller ball with less bounce than a regulation football: The rules create an emphasis on improvisation, creativity and technique as well as ball control and passing in small spaces:

The North East Dublin Futsal qualifiers took place in Greendale Community Centre on Thursday 22January under the guidance of Development Officers Denis Hyland, Sharon Boyle and Jamie Wilson:

The competition catered for third and fourth class children:  Schools participating in the event included Scoil Eoin Kilbarrack, Pope John Paul Malahide, St: Peters & Paul Baldoyle, St:Oliver Plunketts Malahide, North Bay Kilbarrack, St:Benedicts Kilbarrack and St: Francis Mountview:

Scoil Eoin defeated Pope John Paul Malahide 2/1 on penalties in the final, with both teams progressing to the Fingal Finals on 27 January: The winners of this competition will progress to the Leinster Finals which will be held on 10 February:

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Denis Hyland FAI/Fingal CC Football Development Officerstated, “It’s great to see all these young footballers playing in an organised tournament, showcasing their skills, playing without competing in a great spirit: We owe a ‘big thank you’ to all the teachers who have given up their time to take the kids here today, I think the biggest reward for them is all the many smiling faces we see around us”:

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