Peterborough Futsal teams represent England in Spain

Pictures by Matty Graham

A group of Peterborough sporting talents have been shining on the international stage.

Four teams from the thriving City of Peterborough Futsal Centre (COPFC) enjoyed a European adventure when representing England in the Top 12 Experience in Barcelona last week.

Their Under 10 boys and Women’s junior sides both recorded two wins as they made the semi-finals of the major, two-day tournament which featured teams from a host of other nations including America, Australia, Brazil and Spain.

In fact the Women’s junior squad - made up of girls born between 2007 and 2010 - triumphed in the club’s first-ever international fixture when beating Australia 4-0 in their opening game.

The Under 11 boys from COPFC managed one win in their section while the Women’s senior side - for girls born between 2004 and 2006 - were beaten in all four of their matches.

Proud COPFC chief Jade Ramm said: “It’s been an incredible journey from a school hall in Peterborough to representing our country in an international tournament less than four years after launching our junior teams.

“We exceeded all expectations on the court in Spain and it was great to see three of our four teams pick up wins.

“We certainly created a big impression on the organisers and our opponents as we made a lot of friends and earned many admirers.

“But this was far more than just a sporting event for our players, coaches and parents as some magical memories were made.

“It was the first time English teams have been invited to take part and hopefully we’ll be back again in the future to give more young players the chance to sample this experience.”

COPFC is based at Hampton Gardens School and runs sessions there seven days a week.

CITY OF PETERBOROUGH FUTSAL CENTRE ENGLAND SQUADS

Under 10 Boys: Richard Hendrick, Eddie Thomas, Ollie Desborough, Jack Welsford, Noah Klimas, Stan Smith, Cameron Patel, Ryan Lillie, Junior Crozier, Alex Hamill.

Under 11 Boys: Joey Wright, Freddie Hooke, Archie Ellington, Cody Mahon, Ruben Butler, Oliver Arber, Henry Elmore.

Women’s Junior: Holly Plummer, Harper Graham, Ava Ballard, Lily-Grace Cooke, Calleigh Coull, Phoebe Cooper, Aisha Hamza, Evie Roe.

Women’s Senior: Olivia Robinson, Isabelle Woosnam, Georgia Anderson, Frances Henson, Ada Henson, Ella Farrington, Mia Karagohli, Harriet Coles.