CHESHIRE will have 16 teams taking part in this year's Pokémon Futsal Youth Cup, with regional finals for the competition taking place from March 4 to March 18.

Reigning Cheshire champions Salas (U16 Boys) and Vauxhall Motors - White (U10 Girls) will both be returning.

The Pokémon Futsal Youth Cup, in partnership with England Football gives young players across the country the chance to get involved in this energy-packed game, compete against other teams and go all the way to the national finals.

The football-based sport which sees teams of five per side compete on small indoor hard courts with an emphasis on skill and speed has seen an increase in participation in recent years. The Pokémon Youth Cup attributes this to the inclusion of new and returning County Football Associations.

Pokémon is the title partner of the FA’s Youth Futsal Programme which aims to work with boys and girls aged eight to sixteen. Alongside the Youth Cup, there is also the Pokémon Futsal initiative which bring the game to schools and youth football clubs across the country.

Five boys teams and six girls teams will represent Cheshire at the tournament. The boys teams include: Rakers, Richmond, Warrington Futsal, Grappenhall and Salas whilst the girls include: Waverton, Heswall Vauxhall, Queensgate, Warrington Futsal and Salas.

The Youth Cup will see young players across the country given the chance to go all the way to the national finals, which take place in July.

Peter Murphy, Senior Director of Marketing at the Pokémon Company International, commented: "Following the success of last year, Pokémon is thrilled to see its national futsal competition go from strength to strength, with the 2022/23 season seeing a record number of participants. It’s great to see teams who enjoyed competing last year sign up again this year and continue to develop their futsal skills, alongside the many new clubs we are welcoming to the competition this year. With the regionals fast approaching, this year’s competition is set to be our best yet."

Louise Gear, The FA’s Head of Development at the FA added: "We are delighted to see so many teams register once again to take part in this year’s competition and we’re excited to see what the 2022/23 season brings. Thousands of children from clubs up and down the country will be participating in what promises to be an exciting and fun competition for all involved, and we look forward to seeing who will be crowned winners come the finals."

The tournament is due to get underway from November. More information about the tournament can be found at: mastertheball.com.