The weekend before Christmas saw the conclusion of the 2023 Youth Futsal Championships. Youth teams from all Football Federations in New Zealand converged on Wellington for four days of futsal action. Northern Region Football in partnership with Auckland City featured at the event with six teams, including over sixty players and twelve plus staff members. An extraordinary collective effort. 

The highlight of the event was the U17 Girls claiming their respective Youth Futsal Championship title. Defeating the Waikato Rapids (WaiBop) in a closely contested final. This was after only losing once in the pool stage of the competition, to the would-be finalists Waikato Rapids. 

The final started on the wrong foot for Auckland City when Waikato Rapids took the lead early in the 10th minute through Laura Bennet. Auckland City's Piper Oneill answered this in the 19th minute, making the score 1-1. No goals would come in the second half, resulting in the game going to extra time. Auckland City would find their winner straight at the start of extra time, through Penny Brill who slotted away the winner in the 41st minute. 

Northern Region Football, Futsal Lead Aidan Wong would like to add

"The commitment, dedication and conduct of Auckland City FC's coaches, players & parents played an instrumental role in making the event a resounding success and NRF are proud to have been so well represented by all individuals who made the trip to the capital."

"We would like to congratulate Vaughan Somerville, Cat Pretty & U17 Girls for taking home the championship for their age category. ACFC also managed to claim a few individual honours, congratulations to; "

• U15 Boys Golden Boot - Adam Bolland
• U17 Girls Golden Glove - Maddison Day
• U17 Girls MVP - Penny Brill
• U17 Boys Golden Boot - Freddie Gibbins
• U19 Girls Golden Boot - Marilia Rocha Xerez Braga
   

Five out of the six teams made it through to their respective semi-finals, with the U15 Boys and U17 Girls making it to the final. The U19 Boys, U19 Girls and U15 Girls came away with third place in their respective competitions.

Photos - https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/

Article added: Monday 18 December 2023