OVER £1,000 was raised for a deserving cause from a 10-hour non-stop futsal marathon involving 24 women who united in the name of sport and charity.
The Birmingham International Futsal Arena was the venue for the March 10 event staged in honour of the National Autistic Society.
Two teams - Salma Bi's Reds and Gemma Smith's Blues - competed between 9am and 7pm and produced some brilliant futsal full of skill, endeavour, determination and tremendous sportsmanship.
The final outcome was Blues 167 Reds 100 but the score was far less important than the mission statement of the day - raising money for a wonderful charity and also promoting futsal and women's sport.
Everyone played their part, and let's not forget either the referees who provided their services throughout the day. Also, all those who helped provide the most wonderful food and refreshments, and also those who supported the event and made plenty of noise, keeping the girls going.
Just a mention of a few stand-out performers.
Player of the day for me was CHARLOTTE CAFFREY (Charlie Charmer) who was simply outstanding in goal for the Reds. I lost count of the number of times Charlie was in a one-on-one situation with a Blues forward bearing down on goal, yet she produced endless brave stops. I would imagine she had a few bruises afterwards - what a hero.
For the Blues, I was amazed by the endless energy and skills produced by JEMMA CONNOR--IOMMI, a lady who plays futsal at a very high level and played with a smile on her face throughout and netted numerous goals.
And what about the youngsters!
I was enthralled by NADIA BACCIOCHI, a young talent who plays for Sutton United. She amazed me with her dragbacks, stepovers and she scored some fantastic goals.
ANYA MACHOWIECKA travelled all the way from Liverpool to take part, having also featured in a men's futsal record marathon.
Anya proved a classy player, scoring numerous goals - one to watch!
AISHA BI also netted her first hat-trick and was very impressive the way she worked for the team.
LEILA HOPKINS was a "partner in crime" for Jemma, scoring loads of goals and forming a great striking partnership for the Blues.
And GEMMA SMITH looked every inch a footballer. Composed on the ball, conserving energy brilliantly and reminded me of Glenn Hoddle the way she sprayed passes around, an elegant player.
These are just a handful of stand-out players. There were so many others whose names I did not know but totally played their part.
I can only congratulate SALMA BI and GEMMA SMITH for the brilliant way they organised the day. Personally I think the event deserved more support from the public, maybe next time that side of things will be better.
The Futsal Arena is a great venue, spacious and a top facility. Wish we had more places like this in Wales.
To sum it up, the futsal marathon was a tremendous success. We've got loads of pictures and are working on a DVD to commemorate the event. This will soon be available.
Thank you for a fantastic welcome. Before I travelled to Birmingham on Saturday morning I had one hero - Salma. Now I have 24. Take a bow each and every one of you.
No comments:
Post a Comment