Futsal took the spotlight to cap off the 2022 season with the Youth Futsal Championships held at the Akua Tangi Sports Centre, Wellington. The four-day tournament played from Thursday 15th - Sunday 18th December was a showcase of the young futsal talent New Zealand has to offer. Capital had four teams play in a final and despite putting in unbelievable performances, it wasn't to be! 

Our U15 Boys topped their group and went undefeated in pool play. They met Canterbury United Dragons in the final, a game that went back and forth. It was a thrilling game with a heaving crowd who were very entertained from start to finish. For every goal scored, the opposition had an answer! The teams drew 3-3 at full-time. Capital dominated the first half of extra-time and scored to take the lead 4-3. But in the second half of extra time, Canterbury turned it on scoring 3 goals and winning the final 6-4. A tough result to take but a proud Capital performance. The synergy, the leadership, and the talent in the group were a sight to behold. Watch this space! 

Our U15 Girls who finished 3rd in pool play played off against Waikato Rapids for a spot in the grand final. It was a nail-biting affair, but Capital pulled through 2-1 winners advancing to play Canterbury United Pride in the final. Capital began the final firing scoring two goals in the opening minutes, but Pride was quick to pull two back. Both teams shared another goal before going into half-time at 3-3. Canterbury scored two goals early into the second half and despite Capital's efforts, they held on to their lead all the way to the final whistle. It wasn't to be for our youngest girls' side but to make the final and put on a performance like that was a great achievement! 

The U17 Boys were another team who topped their group and went undefeated in pool play. In the final, they met Canterbury United Dragons. Capital started the game brightly putting constant pressure on the Dragon’s goal in the opening minutes. But Canterbury managed to keep it together and kept Capital goalless. The game was turned on its head just before the halftime break as Canterbury opened the scoring, stunning the Capital boys. The break gave Capital a chance to regroup and plan their response. And that response came just 3 minutes into the second half as Capital scored to equalise through a low-driven shot outside the GK’s circle. More chances fell for both teams, but it ended 1-1. Extra time came and went but the teams were at a deadlock and the teams could not break each other apart. Penalties were needed to decide the match. Canterbury United won the shoot-out 5-4 leaving Capital devastated. It was a cruel way to lose a final, the boys gave it everything. Heartbreak on the day, but again, performances to be proud of.

Our fourth finalists were the U19 Girls. Finishing 2nd in pool play, the girls beat Bay of Plenty Surge 3-1 in the semi-finals to advance to the grand final. Central Futsal who finished 4th caused an upset in the semi-final beating the table toppers, Waikato Rapids. It was our neighbors, Central, who we would take on in the final game. Capital began the game well controlling most of the possession. Their aggressive press rewarded them as they capitalised on a mistake at the back to score the first goal of the game. Central equalised in the second half but Capital regained the lead just 2 minutes later. A lead Capital would hold on to up until the last 20 seconds of the match. Central found the latest of equalisers to take the game into extra time. Extra time brought no more goals, the match finished up 2-2 and penalties were next. Both teams scored their first 4 from the spot. It was sudden death. Central put away the 5th and all the pressure fell to Capital who unfortunately missed giving the title to Central. Despair for Capital who surrounded and consoled each other as Central celebrated their terrific comeback win.

Our U19 Boys played Auckland City in a playoff for 4th place which they won 2-1. The U17 Girls played Southern United in a playoff for 6th place where they also won the game 2-1.

Capital Football’s Federation Development Officer & Futsal Lead, Libby Trevelyan, enjoyed her time watching the Capital teams play over the four days. Libby had this to say about the competition.

“What an exciting 4 days at the 2022 Youth Futsal Championships for Capital Futsal! It has been a privilege to watch the players grow across our 8-week training programme and enjoy participating in the tournament. The Capital teams played some fantastic Futsal over the Youth Futsal Championships, with 4 of our 6 teams earning a spot in the finals and playing in four incredibly close matches. Capital Football are very proud of all the players involved, they have represented the Federation well”.

“A massive thank you to all the players, coaches, parents, Capital Football staff and New Zealand Football for their efforts to make it a successful tournament. I hope everyone has a lovely Christmas and I look forward to seeing you involved in Futsal again in the New Year”.

Article added: Tuesday 20 December 2022