Gosal U15 Girls Featured on Scoop as Only South Island Team

Gosal was recently featured on Scoop after our U15 Girls team was announced as the only South Island girls’ team travelling to the Hawke’s Bay Youth Futsal Tournament, held from 17 to 19 July.

Gosal U15 Girls team

This is exciting news for Gosal and a chance to show that South Island players deserve more opportunities in futsal.

Nine Canterbury players will travel to Hawke’s Bay to represent Gosal and test themselves against teams from across New Zealand. Many of the teams they will face come from regions where players have had access to established futsal programmes for several years.

For our players, this tournament is an opportunity to experience a higher level of competition, build their confidence and see where futsal could take them in the future.

Creating a clear pathway for South Island players is one of Gosal’s long-term goals. We want young players to begin with proper futsal training, build experience through local leagues and competitions, and then access opportunities beyond Canterbury.

For Gosal players, that pathway can include competing at major youth tournaments such as the Hawke’s Bay Youth Futsal Tournament, taking part in international tournaments such as the Gold Coast International Futsal Tournament, and future opportunities to train and experience futsal in Japan.

Gosal U15 Girls team competing in the Hawke’s Bay Futsal Tournament 2025

These experiences help players develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the game, while giving them access to opportunities that have traditionally been limited in the South Island.

Gosal Head Coach Shingo Ina is also an Assistant Coach of the New Zealand Futsal Ferns. Through his work with the Futsal Ferns, Shingo also brings an understanding of what players need to develop if they want to progress further in futsal.

The Scoop article is a great opportunity to recognise the players, families and coaches helping to grow futsal in Canterbury. It also shows young South Island players that they can be part of New Zealand’s futsal future.

We are incredibly proud of the nine girls representing Gosal and grateful to their families, friends and the wider futsal community for supporting their journey.

U15 Girls Squad

Zoe Whinham (Captain), Isla Sinclair (Vice Captain), Charlize Forde, Evie Hill, Hayley Hoare, Holly James, Maddie Powell, Natalie Howe and Shaylah Shearing.

Read the full article here:
Nine Canterbury Girls Helping Shape The Future Of South Island Futsal