Trevor Tamatave expresses his delight after Wednesday’s event proves to be a huge success

The 2018 Genesis Futsal Cup brought together schools from across Newham to enjoy a day of futsal.

Kingsford, St Bonaventure’s, East London Science, Eastlea, Little Ilford, Forest Gate, Brampton, Oasis Silvertown and Chobham Academy all competed in the tournament at the University of East London’s SportsDock.

Genesis head coach Trevor Tamatave organised the day and is renowned for being so passionate about the sport and regarding youngster being given an opportunity.

St Bonaventure’s finished the champions on the day and their coach Simon Firth feels playing futsal is important for young people in developing their football skills.

He said: “Our boys are used to playing football so it’s good to see them in a small environment.

“It’s great for their control, dribbling and passing and helps them learn movement off the ball as well which is fantastic and can only help us in our 11-a-side game too.”

After a fiercely contested group stage, the semi-finals were drawn and it saw St Bonaventure’s playing against Oasis while Kingsford were pitted against Little Ilford.

St Bonaventure’s booked their place in the final after a 6-2 win over Oasis and great passion was shown from each team, but the stronger side prevailed into the final.

Kingsford saw off Little Ilford to book their place to challenge for the trophy., but the final saw St Bonaventure’s come out 4-1 winners to claim this year’s silverware.

Firth was very pleased with his team’s performance, he said: “I’m delighted for the boys because they worked hard all day.

“To get over the line over Kingsford, who are a big rival of ours, is especially pleasing and we always have a great battle with them.”

When asked what was key to their win, Firth said: “Our finishing was very good, we were very clinical and the boys worked hard all day.

“It’s great to see the boys shirts dripping with sweat which shows that they have worked hard.”

Tamatave added: “For some of the boys it was their first time playing futsal and they enjoyed it which is great. I saw a lot of talented players, which shows Newham have a lot of talent.”