Captain Jude Davidson aims to inspire more women to join futsal after cup triumph.
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The Aberdeen Futsal Academy Ladies have achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the inaugural women’s Scottish Futsal Cup. This victory not only marks a significant achievement for the team but also serves as a catalyst for increasing female participation in the sport.
Captain Jude Davidson expressed her hopes that this triumph will inspire more women to engage in futsal, a fast-growing variant of football.
Historic win in a thrilling final
In a nail-biting final held at the Dundee International Sports Centre, the Granite City side faced off against Edinburgh International.
After a gripping match that ended in a 3-3 draw, Aberdeen triumphed 4-2 in the penalty shootout. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Aberdeen initially trailing 2-0 before rallying to take the lead. Goals from Leanne Cuthbert, Steph Campbell, and Caro Ferguson showcased the team’s resilience. However, Edinburgh equalized, forcing the match into penalties, where goalkeeper Davidson made crucial saves to secure the victory.
The rise of futsal in the region
Futsal, recognized by FIFA as the official five-a-side football format, has been gaining traction in the northeast of Scotland since the establishment of the Aberdeen Futsal Academy in October 2022 by former Breedon Highland League star Grant Campbell. The academy has not only fostered a women’s team but has also seen success with its men’s team, which has already clinched the Scottish Cup and participated in the Champions League. Davidson and her teammates have been actively involved in social training sessions, leading to the formation of the women’s team, which aims to create more opportunities for female players.
Building a future for women’s futsal
Despite their recent success, the women’s team currently lacks a dedicated league to compete in. Davidson is optimistic that increased interest and participation will pave the way for establishing a regional league. The team trains weekly at Robert Gordon University, and Davidson encourages women from various backgrounds to join, whether they have experience in 11-a-side football or are new to the sport. She believes that fostering a welcoming environment will help grow the game and attract more players.
Davidson stated, “We want to build the game up and to do that we need more people to get involved.” She emphasized the importance of community engagement and hopes that clubs will show interest in participating in friendly matches or training sessions. The team’s success in the Scottish Cup is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and Davidson is determined to see futsal flourish among women in Scotland.
As the sport continues to evolve, Davidson reflects on the historical context of women’s football, noting how far it has come in the last few decades. “Thirty or 40 years ago, women’s football wasn’t a big thing, but now it’s massive and it’s continuing to get bigger and bigger. I think futsal can go in a similar direction,” she remarked. With the Scottish Cup now in their possession, the Aberdeen Futsal Academy Ladies are poised to lead the charge for women’s futsal in Scotland.
