St Martin's won the Essex under-16 girls futsal finals (essexfa.com)

Under-16 girls lift title

Shenfield High finished as runners-up in the Essex under-16 boys futsal finals (essexfa.com)

St Martin’s of Hutton were crowned Essex Under-16 futsal champions at the girls finals at The College at Braintree before the half-term holidays.

They will now compete in the eastern regional finals at Gosling Park Sports Centre in Hertfordshire on June 1.

Saints won all four of their games to top the group ahead of debutants Maltings Academy, who pipped Romford’s Frances Bardsley on goal difference.

Warren won the Fair Play prize with a perfect score of 40 points and received a futsal ball signed by the England squad.

Shenfield High finished as runners-up in the boys competition, behind Sandon.

Futsal is a key part of the Essex FA’s development plans and the event was making its debut at The College at Braintree’s impressive facilities.

Recognised and supported by FIFA, UEFA and The FA, Futsal is now played worldwide and differs from the regular five-a-side style familiar to many in the UK. The main differences are marked lines rather than rebound boards - meaning the ball can go out of play - as well as square goals, heavier and ‘reduced bounce’ balls and a strict five-foul discipline law.

It encourages closer ball control and players use Futsal to improve their touch and technique.

To find out more about local opportunities to play Futsal, visit www.essexfa.com for further details.

Local Football Development Officers can also help. They are Luke Hornsley (North-East), Ian Bent and Lana Gillard (North-West), Sean Harris or Faye Lambert (South-East) and Nick Emery and Andrew Crowl (South-West).