Girls making futsal a performance art

Year 10 and 11 girls from the Wednesfield-based secondary school are representing the West Midlands and the Molineux outfit.

They are competing in the Kinder Football League Trust Futsal Cup – and have reached the final stage in style.

Katy Murmanis, Gemma Philpott, Amber Griffiths, Mia Cooke, Olivia Nicholls and Billie-Jo Edge were the golden girls that made up Coppice's squad.

An emphatic rout in the Midlands Regional final at St George's Park in Burton, where the girls strolled to a 9-1 success, qualifies them for a shot at glory at the Derby Arena on March 16.

PE teacher and coach Catherine Hinton, who has been at the school for over 10 years, struggled to hide her pride at what the girls have achieved.

She said: "We are so proud of them at Coppice. We had to qualify against local schools to represent Wolves. The girls are that good.

"Three that we had in our team play for the Birmingham City academy and we had Katy play in goal, as she represents England at volleyball. She saved everything!

"The list is endless of what they've achieved as a team. In the few years together, we have won the Schools' Football League and played at the Emirates Stadium representing Wolves.

"They play together and they love football. It's great to see them so keen."

Cooke, Nicholls and Edge all feature for Birmingham City while Griffiths turns out for a local club and Philpott was drafted into the squad in year seven.

Hinton admitted that while nerves were afflicting her during the final stage, the girls showcased their considerable talent in a one-way final, in which Burton Albion's representatives had no answer.

The coach added: "We won 3-1 twice and 4-0 twice in the group stage to qualify against Burton, who won their group.

"Futsal is such a fast game, played with a heavy ball that is made to stay on the ground. The sport suits the girls, they run with the ball and it's all about skill.

"The final was almost embarrassing against Burton, but they got their token goal and everyone cheered!"

While the Birmingham City stars may play their football outside school at a high standard, Hinton revealed that had not always been the case.

She and the school played a big part in introducing the sport to the girls, adding: "We got the girls into football. When they started, only one of them was at the Albion academy.

"I'm confident about them going into the finals at Derby. We think they've got a good chance."

Sponsors Kinder, who have extended this year's competition to an under-16 boys and girls competition, are attempting to increase levels of physical activity among the world's younger generation.

Their aim was for the schools-based competition to reach around 15,000 youngsters in its first year.

A Ferrero spokesman said: "At Ferrero, we believe that active children are more likely to grow into active adults.

"We are passionate about inspiring future generations to embrace physical exercise and gain a sense of joy from living an active life."

The girls will meet other Football League representatives at the Derby Arena for a shot at Futsal glory.