Hartpury University’s Women’s Futsal
Hartpury University’s Women’s Futsal team have won the BUCS Women’s Western Tier 1 League, following a hugely successful season that saw them streak ahead of their competition before the league has even finished.
The team secured the league with another hugely convincing victory against Plymouth Marjon University, making it 9 wins from 10 games.
They’ll also progress to the Futsal Premier Tier Playoffs on 19 March where they’ll face the University of Plymouth.
Dr Luciana De Martin Silva, Principal Lecturer and Women's Futsal Head Coach at Hartpury University, said: “I’m so proud of the players who have overcome the many challenges of the season to win the league. To reach this point unbeaten is both impressive and rewarding but seeing how each player has developed and enjoyed playing throughout the season is what matters the most. We’re now focusing on our cup campaign and looking forward to playing in the quarter final against University of Portsmouth on the 19th March.
“There’s no better time to join Hartpury if you’re passionate about futsal. In addition to competing in the university league (BUCS), we have a direct link to the FA Women’s Super Series, where we have 14 current and former Hartpury students experiencing what it’s like to play against the best players in England.”
Jade Grove, team captain and BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science student, said: “As a team, we’ve really built and developed over the season which has subsequently had a huge impact on the pitch. From our first game together to now, the movement patterns and set pieces on the court make it so hard to defend against which has resulted in big results against big teams.
“No game has been easy, but the determination of the team has shone through. We got to this point last season before Covid-19 affected the play offs so to progress within the leagues will be something we’ve worked so hard for, not only this season but previous seasons too. We’re all very excited and ready!”
Hartpury College Junior Women’s Football
The Hartpury College’s Junior Women’s Football team has also enjoyed success, winning the ECFA Women’s Premier League ahead of the quarter finals, where they beat Huddersfield New College 3-1.
Jessica Wills, Hartpury College student and Women’s Junior 1s player, said: “This is my first year at Hartpury College, where I’m studying the Sports and Exercise Science Diploma and playing in the Women’s Junior 1s. We’ve formed a tight team where we all support each other to play the best football that we can. We’ve gone into all our matches with a positive mindset and have been able to capitalise on the strengths we all have individuals to win the league.
“Not only has being part of the women’s football programme been enjoyable, but it’s also helped me to develop my game and given me opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had. The biggest opportunity so far is getting through to the ECFA National Women’s Team and attending a camp at St George’s Park where I was awarded my first England cap.”
The Junior Women’s 1s are due to play against Itchen College or Sudbury Sport at home on 30 March.
The women’s futsal programme at Hartpury provides a variety of playing opportunities for students alongside their studies. Athletes benefit from access to a variety of outstanding facilities including a new £250,000 performance gym, Performance Analysis Suite, sports hall with integrated camera, and a team of qualified coaches and staff covering areas including physiotherapy, nutrition, strength and conditioning.
