Banbridge McDonald’s Small-Sided Games Centre continued its winter futsal programme this week with over 10 teams competing from under 6 to under 12.
Almost 100 kids played futsal at Banbridge Leisure Centre on Saturday under the watchful eye of coordinator Chris Douglas.
With the regular outdoor format currently in its winter break, teams such as Moira Blues, Loughgall Youth and Markethill Swifts took part in hour-long small sided games in a round-robin format.
The main objective of the programme is to develop new football skills and to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle among boys and girls aged from six to 12. The aim is to provide training and game environments that promote the continued improvement of ball skills, increased game awareness, and an appreciation for taking calculated risks in the attack.
Irish FA grassroots development officer Ken Duncan was delighted to see so many kids playing football on a Saturday morning. He said: “It is great to have so many kids playing football on a weekly basis across Northern Ireland, not just here in Banbridge.
“Kids at this age respond really well to the small sided games format and as coaches we like to see them have as many touches of the ball as possible.”
Keep an eye out for our weekly small sided games feature on irishfa.com and the Irish Football Association on Facebook.
