On March 21st, 2017 BEFC Ladies (BELFC) took part in the Bonfim Ladies 5 aside Futsal Tournament at Bonfim Football Park in Ochiai Minami Nagasaki. The tournament consisted of six teams split into two groups who played 4 matches over the event.

This was BELFC's third official outing as a team, their third place finish indicates just how fast the team is learning to play well together! Many of the struggles surrounded around not having a dedicated goal keeper and instead having to rotate between players. Nevertheless two matches were won as shutouts thanks to Mutsumi Nagamatsu and Ayaka Funamizu.

Several of the teams in this tournament were quite good and all have been playing together for many years. There was a high school team that was playing their last match together. As is now routine, BELFC started off a bit slow, but improved with each game. These 5 vs 5 games were quick and with such war weather, the ladies definitely took advantage of having three subs. The tournament itself was well organized, with all the other teams and referees welcoming and looking like they were enjoying themselves too.

It’s safe to say this was one of the most aggressive, contact heavy tournaments thus far. In fact during the last match, the referee’s stopped play, called the team managers to the centerline, and asked them to instruct both teams to lower the contact. BELFC had a great overall showing, often winning the 50/50 balls and shutting down attacks of more experience teams. The big upset came in the fith game when the ladies upset the other groups second place team to clinch third place in the tournament. Again BEFLC’s ability, tenacity and immense team spirit was unmatched by the competitors.

You can see more pictures in the BEFC Facebook Event Photo Album.