The CGL committee and volunteers arrived early at the Copper Box to set everything up ready for the influx of clubs, who along with spectators were no doubt looking forward to what would prove to be a fantastic tournament.

The weekend saw over 400 players take part from across 4 different age groups, including some playing Futsal for the first time ever! Futsal is an alternative format of the game that originated in South America and offers players countless benefits, including;

- The game is played indoors!

- The use of a smaller, heavier ball which encourages players to improve their first touch and technical skills.

- There is a 4 second rule to return the ball to play quickly, resulting in a high tempo game with shorter rest periods to develop players fitness levels.

- The game is highly tactical and incorporates positional rotation for all, including goalkeepers who are encouraged to join in attacking play.

- Due to the nature of the rotation there is a huge reliance on communication between teammates.

The U10 and U12 age groups were first up on the Saturday which saw some highly competitive games where often the games were tight and the score line was separated by just the one goal.  In the U10s, Alexandra Park Youth North made it through to the final from group 1 with Charlton just beating Alexandra Park Youth West in group 2 on goal difference. Charlton’s luck continued as they were crowned U10 Futsal winners after an entertaining 1-0 game against a solid Alexandra Park Youth North.

The U12 age group was the most subscribed category of the weekend needing 4 groups. The teams making it to the semi-finals were Camden Youth, Charlton Reds, Watford and St Josephs 2. Charlton overcame Camden to make it to the final whilst Watford beat St Josephs 2 to secure their slot in the final. Both finalists proved strong but Charlton came out on top with a 1-0 win.

Sunday saw the U14 and U16 age groups make the trip to the Olympic Venue. The morning slot had the U14s getting there nice and early. Watford 2, Enfield Town 1 and Islington 2 all came out as group winners. With 3 groups they needed to play another small round robin group to determine the overall winner. Islington 2 managed to beat both opposition to be crowned U14 winners.

The U16s were last up and some may say, ‘save the best till last’ with this age group proving to be the closest in  results. Tottenham Whites and Kent Football United showed that Futsal can be a very technical and enjoyable game with their final; a showcase for talent. Both teams stood strong and forced it to penalties. Kent Football United eventually coming out as the winners.

The CGL committee commented, ‘taking into account that some of the teams have never even watched the game before the quality of play was fantastic! The addition of the Futsal Cup to the fixture programme has been excellent and a great opportunity for teams to try something new. Hopefully the competition has given the teams an insight into the countless benefits that Futsal can offer (and a break from the winter weather).' Futsal is great for development, but most of all the girls had fun playing.

A big thank you goes to all the referees and volunteers who helped at the event, without you events like this just wouldn’t be possible. Also a massive thank you to the managers, parents and spectators who made the trip to allow the girls the opportunity to play and to support them on the day.

A special mention must go WSL players who paid a visit to the CGL Futsal Cup to cheer the girls on. Thanks goes to; Ciara Sherwood and Jordan Butler from Millwall Lionesses, Hedvig Lindahl from Chelsea Ladies FC and Emma Byrnes and Emma Mitchell from Arsenal Ladies FC. All were willing to answer any questions the girls, managers and parents had, took photos, signed shirts and for two lucky age groups even hung around to present the winning team with their medals and cup.

If you would like to repay the favour and make a trip to a WSL game and support the players then please visit the FAWSL website www.fawsl.com for fixture information. Their season will be starting on 23^rd March 2016.

As a keepsake of the event, there were photographers making sure they captured every moment. If you didn’t get a chance to see the photos on the day then check out the photos on their website where they are available for purchase www.everybodysmile.biz/mrcphoto/evnts/index.php . Managers will have the access password.

Well done again to all girls that participated, we look forward to seeing you all, and more, next year!

U10: Alexandra Park Youth North, Alexandra Park Youth West, Broomfield, Camden Youth, Camden Youth Athletic, Charlton Athletic, Enfield Town, Ruislip Rangers 1 and Ruislip Rangers 2.

U12:  Alexandra Park Youth East, Alexandra Park Youth North, Barnet Nightingales, Brent Girls, Broomfield, Camden Youth, Charlton Athletic Red, Enfield Town, Hearts of Teddlothian Tigers, Islington Borough Ladies White, Limehouse, Parkfield Youth 1, Parkfield Youth 2, Ruislip Rangers Blues, Ruislip Rangers Clarets, St Josephs 1, St Josephs 2, Tottenhall, Watford Ladies.

U14: Alexandra Park Youth, Camden Youth, Charlton Athletic, Enfield Town, Enfield Youth, Islington Borough Ladies, Limehouse, NPL, Ruislip Rangers, Watford Ladies, Westway, Young Hackney Belles.

U16: Islington Borough Ladies, Kent Football United, Limehouse, Old Actonians, Tottenham Hotspur Blues, Tottenham Hotspur Whites, Watford Ladies.

‘Today was about enjoying ourselves and appreciating the venue we was playing at and having a break from our league programme... Well done to all the girls on a great day’

St Josephs, U12

‘Our girls had a really great time and found it all very friendly and enjoyable’

Alexandra Park Youth, U12

‘It was the girls first time playing futsal and they had a great experience and would definitely play again. It was very well organised and good to see some players there inspiring the girls’

Brent Girls, U12

‘U12 in particular enjoyed meeting the pro players’

Islington Borough Ladies, U12

‘It is a fantastic opportunity for the girls to play in an Olympic Venue’

Ruislip Rangers, U14

‘Thanks for a great day we all enjoyed it, players very excited to play at Copper Box’

Tottenham Hotspur, U16