Andorra Women's Futsal League Faces Poor Facilities and Logistics

Players and coaches in Andorra's women's national futsal league have raised concerns over poor field conditions, logistical issues, and limited resources that hinder the competition's growth.

The league has seen rising participation, with more teams and players each season. However, structural shortcomings persist, as highlighted by incidents throughout the year. In one case before a match between FC Ordino and Casa de Portugal, players found a full-sized 11-a-side goal still in place on the pitch. With no grounds staff available and the game at risk of postponement, the athletes from both sides moved it themselves. "We called over the players from the other team and together we managed to shift the goal so we could start," said FC Ordino's Laia Pérez. The moment, shared on social media by FutFemAnd, underscores broader frustrations.

Alba Cayuelas of FC Santa Coloma pointed to recurring problems like faint pitch markings and shared changing rooms. "Often two matches clash at the same time, and four teams have to change in the same place," she said. At Prada de Moles in Encamp, teams have patched holes in the pitch, while Prat del Roure in Escaldes features uneven turf with holes that have caused injuries. Borda Mateu remains the only reliably maintained venue, according to players.

Training is also affected. Sheyla Barragán of Sporting Escaldes noted that snow-clearing delays prevent normal sessions for days, with priority given to youth and men's teams. Other issues include late referees, unprepared pitches, and no benches for substitutes.

The Encamp commune, which owns Prada de Moles, stated it lends the facility to the Andorran Football Federation (FAF), which handles match preparation. Clubs call for better infrastructure. "We need to improve facilities, playing conditions, and treatment of players. Proper pitches, decent changing rooms, and well-organized competitions are essential for a quality league," said Pirineus United coach David Sansaloni.

The FAF acknowledged the problems and is addressing them, including coordinating with Encamp on staffing and urging referees to notify teams of delays in advance. Despite the challenges, participants credit collective efforts for the league's progress, but warn that further growth demands upgrades in organization and resources.