They did not disappoint, winning their six preliminary games to finish on the top of the ladder with a goal difference of +20. This put them in to the semi-final against a strong Robina SHS from the local area. They made no mistakes in what was to be their best game so far where the quick passing put them on top winning 5-2.

This meant the girls had to play Helensvale SHS, also a local team, in the final. In the preliminary game Bellingen had defeated Helensvale in a very high scoring game 8-5. This meant both teams had to look for improving their defensive effort. Unfortunately it was Helensvale that scored first after a tired defense failed to track back giving a one on one with the goalkeeper. Despite some great passages of play it seemed the goalkeeper for Helensvale wouldn’t let a ball past and the pressure was on the Bellingen girls to get that goal. Finally the equaliser came with Sophie Boyd slotting in a great goal. This put the game to 1-1 with plenty of time to win the game. Despite some brave attempts it was again Helensvale that scored and now with just over 10 minutes to go the Bellingen girls  needed to reply. The ball went from end to end with Helensvale taking every opportunity to waste time. Again the goalkeeper from Helensvale starred saving some very deserving goals. So it wasn’t to be and Helensvale took out the game 2-1 in an ever so close encounter. The 16 years girls should be proud of their amazing effort and fantastic result. Runners-up at the premier Australian Schools Futsal Titles is something to be very happy about!

The 19 years girls had the going a bit tougher. They only had 6 players and with 7 preliminary games of 25 minutes each way it was always going to be difficult (very difficult). Some of the 16 years girls played at times to help them out so a big thank you goes to Shelly Osland, Willow Berry, Willow Neal, Ashley Sticker and Emily Ruming who played so the older girls could get some breaks.

Their first game against Murrumba SHS(the eventual winners) was going well leading 4-3 with a couple of minutes to go when the referee intervened giving Murrumba a free kick in front of goal after one of their players did a lovely dive – the game score now 4-4. From the kickoff Kelsey Williamson-Leslie was in the box about to score then totally wiped out from behind the referee about to blow his whistle, all the Bellingen players stopped. No whistle and Murrumba took the ball down the other end and scored. Final score 4-5. This was typical of the story with the 19s. The next two games while dominating play the girls finished with draws and so had only 2 points after the first day. Day 2 saw a couple of wins but some very tired players. With results of the final game determining their position in the semis it was a bridge too far and the girls finished a very creditable 5th on the ladder. What a courageous effort!

This, however, was not the end of the story. All team coaches nominate five players from all the teams who they think were the best players in their division and the top five are named all stars. Bellingen HS had three players nominated – in the 19s Gaia Malcisi was selected and in the 16s Emily Ruming and Willow Neal were also selected! Great work girls and well-deserved recognition!