Calderdale schools to take part in Adam Heslop Cup

The tournament was named after Adam as he is a well-known FC Halifax Town supporter and a regular at home and away games.

The tournament, supported with funding from The Football Conference Trust and FC Halifax Town, is open to primary schools, specifically boys and girls in the year 6 age group and provides the opportunity for budding football stars to play Futsal, a fast moving 5-a-side game of South American origin.

Schools competing this year include last year’s winners Copley Primary School along with Sowerby Village, Carr Green, Abbey Park, All Saints, Elland, Dean Field, Copley, Greetland, Sacred Heart, Savile Park, Whitehall and Todmorden.

FC Halifax Town have been delivering futsal coaching to the 9-11 years age group in schools. This tournament is the culmination of that coaching programme.

Newly appointed FC Halifax Town manager Billy Heath will be representing Town and presenting the awards to tournament winners and participants, while the FA Trophy will also be on show.

Steve Nichol, Town’s head of youth, junior and community football development, said: “I’m a firm believer in the sport of Futsal and its properties as a development tool for young players and this event is a good opportunity to develop the game in the area and offer something a little different.

“It is an ideal game for schools, it is highly effective for children aged 5-16 years old and is best played on surfaces such as a school hall, gym or tarmac playgrounds.

“The design of the ball is such that it has a reduced rebound thus encouraging the development of close control and passing, where individual skill and creativity is maximised.”