Last week marked a significant milestone for Gisborne Girl's High School (GGHS) as they entered the world of Futsal for the very first time. The school proudly participated in the NZSS Northern Regional Junior Tournament, setting their sights on a spot in the prestigious National event slated for 2026.

The stakes were high, with the only route to the National Championship being a tournament victory. However, the team’s confidence was bolstered by the presence of five players who had previously represented Hawke's Bay Futsal in the National Futsal Youth tournament in 2024. This experienced core, along with a few fresh faces, gave GGHS the belief that they could achieve their ambitious goals.The roster saw the addition of a few new players, including Lila Murphy and Josie Keast, both of whom delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament.

With a mix of youth and experience, GGHS entered the competition ready to make their mark.Throughout the tournament, GGHS displayed remarkable skill and teamwork, going undefeated in all their matches. New goalkeeper Charli Willoughby played a pivotal role, conceding only a handful of goals, behind the solid and experienced Elliott Smith. Unfortunately, Smith will not be able to participate in the Junior Nationals in 2026 due to moving up to the senior grade, making this achievement even more meaningful for the team.

The final day of the tournament proved to be a gripping affair, with GGHS facing tough challenges from both Tauranga College and Otumoetai College in the semifinals and finals, respectively. In a fiercely contested semi-final, GGHS triumphed over Tauranga College with a decisive 4-1 victory. The team’s veterans, including Rylee Barker, Madison Smith, Cleo Brenchley, and Betsy Findlay, were instrumental in this win, showcasing their skill in overcoming Tauranga's aggressive pressing and physical gameplay.The final match was nothing short of thrilling. As tensions ran high, late goals from GGHS solidified their dominance, leading to a 3-1 victory against Otumoetai College.

With this victory, GGHS not only claimed their first tournament title but also secured a place in the National event in 2026.This achievement signals a promising future for Futsal in the Tairāwhiti region, highlighting the potential for growth and development in the sport. As GGHS celebrates this historic win, it also lays the groundwork for upcoming challenges and aspirations, firmly establishing itself as a competitive force in Futsal.

Article added: Wednesday 02 April 2025