Flamengo, once again, was a pioneer. And this time, in women's soccer. The first women's futsal team, which will represent the club in this year's Rio de Janeiro championship, was unveiled in Gávea. The result of a partnership between Flamengo and Percepção School, a traditional training ground for student athletes, the first women's futsal team trained for the first time at the club's headquarters. And the players' excitement was clear. Before practice, there was a presentation by the Futsal board, explaining the partnership and, most importantly, welcoming the girls and stating that this is just the first step in a project that aims to increasingly strengthen women's soccer at Flamengo. Singer Sandra de Sá, a Flamengo fan and godmother of the project, was present at the presentation and wished the team well. The partnership between Percepção School and Flamengo is a long-standing one. Many players who currently play for Flamengo at various levels came from this school, including defensive midfielder Ibson, who is now an idol on the professional team. Another idol who was a Percepção athlete and is a role model for all girls is Brazilian national team player Martha. The idea of ​​forming a women's futsal team has been in the works since last year, but the lack of physical facilities, such as a gymnasium and training space, has delayed the team's presentation and, consequently, the team's training sessions in Gávea. Initially, the girls will train one day a week in Gávea, with the remaining sessions taking place at Percepção School, located in Irajá. The futsal board has made it clear that it intends to hold matches in Gávea, as is the case with the men's futsal teams. For Luiz Antônio, futsal coordinator, the women's team is what Flamengo's futsal team was missing. Ruy Machado, futsal director, reinforced the joy of leading this project and even stated that he will take the project all the way to the club's presidency. A key point discussed during the team's presentation was the importance of wearing the jersey of a club as big as Flamengo and how much responsibility and dedication this demands from everyone involved, be they athletes, coaching staff, or board members. And because they're at Flamengo, they should expect a lot of pressure, demands, and recognition for a job well done. Responsibility and dedication are things none of the athletes will lack. 17-year-old goalkeeper Camila says that being on the adult team today, playing with girls older than her, is the result of a lot of dedication and training. Furthermore, she can't hide her joy at representing her favorite team. When asked what a debut at Gávea would be like, with the entire crowd cheering her on, all she could think was: "I think it's better to start on the bench. It's going to be very exciting."