USTA Futsal Tournament hits it big

The second installation of the Unique Soccer Touch Academy (USTA) Futsal Tournament was held on December 27 and 28, 2024, at three venues- the Top Campden Park hard court, the Campden Park Playing Field hard court, as well as the Questelles hard court.

The two days attracted wider participation with a schools component added this year.

Following the last whistles, five teams were crowned as champions.

Winning the Under-11 title was Blossom Unlimited ahead of Sparta FC, with Parkside Rollers retaining the Under-13, and Je Belle in second place.

Copping the Under- 15 title was Je Belle, and second was North Leeward Predators.

The Questelles Government School took the primary schools’ glory leaving Clare Valley to settle for second. The Dr J.P Eustace Memorial copped the secondary schools’ title and St Martin’s, the runner-up.

In total, 22 teams competed in the tournament.

The two top finishers in each category were awarded trophies, and the top performers in different aspects of the tournament also were rewarded.

The man behind the execution of the tournament, Renrick Alexander, was happy with his second effort.

“ I must say this year’s Unique Touch Soccer Academy second annual Youth Futsal Tournament was tremendous. We met part of our goals, by putting a smile on the players’ faces, having them compete and show love and passion for the sport”, Alexander said.

He is eagerly looking forward to the third edition, set again for December, 2025.

Futsal is played on a hard surface and involves four outfield players and a goal keeper.

There are no off-sides, and play is restarted by kick-ins. Additionally, goal keepers restart the play by distributing the ball with their hands, and must do so within four seconds.

If a team accumulates six fouls in one half of the duration of the match, the opposing team is awarded a penalty.

Likewise, a penalty is awarded for any infraction committed by the defensive team in the penalty area.

Additionally, substitutions can take place at any time during the match, and, should a match end in a draw, three minutes extra time is played. Should either side score within that period that match immediately ends. If the scores are still level, the match is decided on penalties.