“Futsal lets me express myself without feeling judged.”
Florence, Isabella, Georgia and Fear photographed by Becca Taylor in the crowd at Loughborough - (Image: @beccataylor.photography Instagram)
In the first edition of a new Community Storytelling series, published by our Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee, we take a look at a special trip to Loughborough for four girls from the East Riding who have fallen in love with futsal in 2026 through inclusion, opportunity and representation.
Who are South Cave Futsal?
Based in East Riding, 14 miles west of Hull, South Cave is a small village of approximately 5,000 residents and home to South Cave Futsal, a small futsal team set up earlier this year by coach Paul Dean, initially catering for an U11 girls group, who have since become U12s.
Since the team’s first official game, against Hull Eagles in March 2026, they have built steadily, growing one player, one session and one moment at a time.
There has been a memorable afternoon against Bootham Futsal Club U11s in York and, more recently, the chance to play regular, local futsal via the Junior Futsal Series, based out of the Allam Sports Centre in Hull.
April 2026 - Watching the Lionesses in Loughborough
Barely a month since that first game against Hull Eagles, Paul took four of South Cave Futsal’s girls on a road trip to watch history be made at Loughborough University’s Sir David Wallace Sports Hall.
It was the first-ever home international for England Futsal’s Lionesses, a friendly against Slovakia, and Florence (11), Georgia (11), Fear (11) and Isabella (8) had tickets to watch their role models take to court.
Very quickly, what had begun as a simple trip to watch a game of futsal, became something Paul describes as a ‘transformational experience’ for the group:
“The girls were invited to walk out with the England players, standing on court for the anthem and feeling part of the matchday itself.
They saw elite futsal up close, recognised the movements they practice in training, and realised that the pathway is open and real to them.”
After the game, all four girls were invited to join the Lionesses on court for a team photo, capturing their excitement, pride and sense of belonging.
The present day Lionesses pose on court with future Lions & Lionesses after their first ever home international, against Slovakia. (Image: Sean Williamson - @sdgw.png Instagram)
How did it impact the girls?
Florence
“Walking out onto the pitch with the England players was amazing — I felt proud and a bit nervous, but they were really kind. It made me feel like I belonged there.
Going onto the pitch at half‑time to win a football was amazing — it made me feel proud and part of something really special.”
Isabella
“I loved doing futsal with my sister. Walking out with the England players was amazing — it made me feel proud and really excited.”
Georgia
“Futsal lets me express myself without feeling judged. I can try things I don’t normally get to do. Getting all the England players to sign my football made the day even more special.”
Fear
“I was just there for the road-trip to be with my friends but really enjoyed myself.”
The girls line-up with the Lionesses for the national anthems (Image: @beccataylor.photography Instagram)
Paul tells us that Florence and Georgia are still playing for South Cave Futsal this season, now as U12s, and currently competing in the Hull Eagles Sunday girls league, as well as the East Riding boys’ leagues in midweek.
Some of South Cave’s players have even started playing for Hull Eagles, who are one of the most established futsal clubs in the region, with a senior men’s team in Tier 2 of the National Futsal Series.
“They can’t wait for the next England fixtures,” Paul says.
A huge thank you to Paul, Georgia, Florence, Fear and Isabella for their contributions to this story, and to everyone at South Cave futsal for promoting the sport in their local area.
A thank you too, to the members of our Equality, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion commission for their work in getting this new project off the ground.
A truly memorable moment. (Image: @beccataylor.photography)
