BSmag #04 (Beach Soccer Magazine)

BS m a g Beach Soccer Magazine

Intercontinental Cup Dubai

The Story of Champions

plus

Talent Scout beachsoccermag.com

...... we bring the game to you

GROUP +1 (954) 651-2135 misc-ltd@hotmail.com www.soccer7usa.com

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CONTENTS 08.

10.

18.

44

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- GLOBAL BRIEFS

COVER FEATURE

- COPA LAGOS - INTERCONTINENTAL CUP

PROFILE

- SUZUKI SHUNTA - JENNY CORREA - KONSTANTINOS PAPA

34.

FRONTLINE

FEATURE

- HA ‘APAI BEACH SOCCER - UGANDA - TAHITI

COVER: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman; DSC with Joan Cusco, CEO BSWW.

26

Meet our amazing

Contributors

Jenny Correa

Deo Mutabazi

Marieme Ndiaye

Samuel Ahmadu

A pro Beach Soccer player and entrepreneur. She is the founder of United Beach Soccer League and a fashion enthusiasts.

Deo a trained beach soccer coach currently serves as Chair Uganda Beach Soccer Association and President of the East Africa Beach Soccer Union. He also chairs the disciplinary panel of the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) and a financial expert.

Loves travelling and promoting beach soccer every where he goes.

The fan of Manchester United, SC Villa love to write sports articles.

Marieme a young sports marketing entrepreneur currently living in Dakar Senegal.

She spends her time profiling and providing content for several online news media, including thoughts on beach soccer trends.

She is also a radio presenter with Radio FM Senegal and Radio Convergence FM. Among many strings to her bow, she is a volunteer media officer for the Senegal National Beach Soccer Team, so it’s no surprise she’s particularly passionate about the sport.

Sam is the Founder and managing editor of SavidNews. com, and Senior Correspondent with Goal.com is a sports journalist with a passion.

He is a member of advisory panel for BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award and a strong women football advocate.

He has covered several international sporting events in South Africa, Canada, Cameroun, Ghana and others.

The Wigan Athletic fan, with several award nominations including the Nigeria Sports Awards looks forward to winning the CNN Journalist award someday.

Top Notch Tourism & Tours

Visa Processing Family Packages Business & Educational Trips Flights & Hotel Reservations Airport Shuttle

.... let plan your escape

Lagos: 234-8093849594 Abuja: 234- 8038185097 Dubai: 556130770 email: tntntabuja@gmail.com wwwtntnt.com.ng

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ISSUE 04 October 2017

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T & S Club 24 Hayter Road, London, SW2, United Kingdom EDITOR IN CHIEF

Normally this time of year gets so exciting as we

all look forward to one of the season’s major events

in the count down to the annual Stars Award in a World Cup year. And previewing the Intercontinental Cup in Dubai set for the seventh installment, a success story, our cover

Taye Olajide ASSOCIATE EDITOR Patricia TO

story has allowed us to take a look at past six editions which we captioned ‘Story of

C O N T R I B U T O R S

Champions”.

The iconic event held in the largest and most populous city of the Persian Gulf has continued to attract world attention through its innovative style of delivery and has indeed proven to be a first-class home to Beach Soccer where the best are showcased.

Jenny Correa Marieme Ndiaye Deo Mutabazi Samuel Ahmadu PHOTO CREDITS FIFA Media BSWW GRAPHICS & LAYOUT. BSmag SPECIAL CONSULTANT. KEDE AIHE

Copa Lagos, also scheduled for the seventh edition this December, is also our headline act (page 10), is growing in stature. Referred to as a life stye, is more than just a beach sports event. Organizers already set the ball rolling earlier with players scouting exeresis conducted by Angelo Schirinzi who was also in Spain to host a conference of beach soccer stakeholders at Giverola Resort

AD SALES Samson Mangga (AFRICA) +234 80359 287 18 Josep Maldonado Smith (UK/IRELAND) +34 605 3016 22 Richard Ojeabulu (US/Bahamas) +242 559 6440 Femi Oladele (Japan/Asia)

So much more to fit in

+817014068600

just few pages as we invite you to enjoy this 4th issue of BSmag.

Taye Olajide.

Twitter / Instagram / Facebook beachsoccermag

DISCLAIMER Some photographs and materials in this publication were obtained from readily available public sources.

Email: beachsoccermag@gmail.com www.beachsoccermag.com Suite 141, Befs Plaza, Utako - beachsoccermag.com Abuja.

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FRONTLINE / Briefs

G LO B A L

BRIEFS

august - october

H

ungary

Energia SC Gyongyos reign again in Hungary.

The 2015 champions reclaimed the crown following a solid win over hosts Siófoki Bányász.

S

witzerland

Chargers and Havana Shots maintained their dominate in both the men’s and women’s national league title, as the national team won 6-2 friendly against France in Spiez.

A

zerbaijan

Sabail FC secured maiden Azerbaijan title at the country’s first Beach Soccer Super League which saw 12 games played across July and August in the European Games Park, Baku.

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taly

Sambenedettese and ASD Lady Terracina were both victorious in the Italian Cup and Super Cup at the Beretta Beach Arena. Lady Terracina are champions for the third year running.

F

rance

Marseille BT clinched their fourth title as the Grand Est became the country’s first women’s beach soccer champions in a three-day tournament at the National Beach Soccer in Canet-en-Roussillon.

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kraine

Vybor were victorious over defending champs Griffin in the final to claim their third Ukrainian beach soccer national championship.

US

Bahamas beat Florida BS in double header friendly in Miami at the ithuania 2017 Miami

Beach Fit Fest.

Igol Vilnius emerged Lithuanian champions after winning the eight-team event at the coastal resort of Palanga.

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R

ussia

Lokomotiv Moscow ended their five-year wait for a fourth Russian title after beating defending champions BSC Kristall.

E

ngland

Arsenal BS won the English National League title in London on Sunday with a 7-2 win against the defending champions Silesia BS St Neots.

G

ermany

2015 champions

Rostocker Robben are German champs after upsetting holders BSC IbbenbĂźren in final to claim back National glory.

D

enmark

The Danish capital of Copenhagen hosts three days of top-class beach soccer friendly enegal between their Scandinavian

Conducts youth beach soccer training camp in neighbours, including club and search of fresh legs. international action.

S

P

ortugal

T

urkey Victory over Seferhisar

Sporting Clube de Braga reconquered the Portuguese National crown following a thrilling win in the final against giants Sporting Clube Portugal.

T

ahiti

B

ulgaria Tiki Tama MFC Spartak

successfully defended their title (Varna) retained their title after at the national 16-team in Pirae, claiming the title in a cross-Varna including four women’s sides derby against FC Odessos to which was held over five weeks. retain the trophy.

C

zech

U

ganda

SK Bosnia Online Massive turnout of sees Alanyaspor head to Euro EU Teplice won their first national Ugandan Institutions at the 2017 Winners Cup as champions title defeating BS Ladronka Praha. University Beach Soccer Tourney.

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COVER FEATURE / Beach Soccer Arena

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FEATURE

TALENTSCOUT I11

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Over 300 players down to 12 from six different locations in Lagos set to feature at 2017 Copa Lagos Club Challenge.

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FEATURE

A

head of the 2017 Copa Lagos this December, a number of Nigerians have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feature at the competition along side

other great European clubs like of Arsenal Bsc, S.S. Lazio, S.C Portugal and Pepsi Academy.

More than 350 players from six areas of the city was scouted by Angelo Schirinzi, a FIFA Beach Soccer Instructor and Swiss Team for fresh beach soccer talent. And after a couple of trials around the city, 12 players made the cut and would be will be involved in a fortnight’s training camp prior to the competition where they will take on their international opponents in front of a packed stadium with the world watching.

Schirinzi was accompanied by the Nigerian National Beach Soccer Coach; Audu Ejo Adamu who would be in charge of the November Boot Camp to prepare the selected players for the COPA Lagos Club Challenge.

The level has been really high and I have to say it’s been great to be involved. Nigeria has great potentials in beach soccer and this can be seen at every street corner”

- Angelo

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beachsoccermag.com

8th - 10th

December, 2017

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FEATURE

We want a solid team to be raised for the forthcoming event.

We are also looking at a bigger picture beyond the three-day competition. We want to give some of the youths opportunity they have been looking for to excel.�

- Samson Adamu; Founder, Copa Lagos Beach Soccer.

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LaFleur with Joan Cusco (CEO Beach Soccer Worldwide)

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nominations

*IHAR BRYSHTEL (BLR) *DZIANIS SAMSONOV (BLR) *JENILSON BRITO RODRIGUES - MAO (BRA) *DIOGO CATARINO DA SILVA JUNIOR (BRA) *BRUNO DA SILVA XAVIER (BRA) *RODRIG O

SOARES DA COSTA (BRA) *LUIZ ALBERTO DO NASCIMENTO BRAGA - DATINHA (BRA) *MAURIC I O PEREIRA BRAZ DE OLIVEIRA - MAURICINHO (BRA) *GREIVIN PACHECO QUESADA (CRC) *AARON CLARKE (ENG) *ANTONIO MAYOR HERNANDEZ (ESP) *LLORENÇ ENZO GOMEZ (ESP) *EDUARD SUAREZ MOLINA (ESP) *CHRISTIAN BIERMANN (GER) *BALASZ RUTAI ( H U N ) *TAMAS SZENTES-BIRO (HUN) *SEYED PEYMAN HOSSEINI LARGANI (IRN) *MOHAMMAD AHMADZAD E H

players 2017

*(IRN) GABRIELE GORI ( I T A ) *DARIO RAMACC I OT T I ( I T A ) * PA O L O PA L M A C C I (ITA) *SIMONE DEL MESTRE (ITA) *OZU MOREIRA (JPN) *TA K A S U K E GOTO (JPN) *JOSE RAMON MALDONADO ALONSO (MEX) *ABU AZEEZ (NIG) *PEDRO MORAN (PAR) *JOAO VITOR SARAIVA - MADJER (POR) *BERNANDO BARRAL MARTINS SANTOS - BE MARTINS (POR) *ELINGTON ANDRADE (POR) *JORDAN SANTOS (POR) *MAXIM CHUZHKOV (RUS) *ARTUR PAPOROTNYI (RUS) *BORIS NIKONOROV (RUS) *KIRILL ROMANOV (RUS) *AL SEYNI N´DIAYE (SEN) *DEJAN STANKOVIC (SUI) *NOEL OTT (SUI) *VALENTIN JAEGGY (SUI) *JOSE AGUSTIN RUIZ (SLV) *JONATHAN TOROHIA (TAH) *HEIMANU TAIARUI (TAH) *TEARII LABASTE (TAH) *CEM KESKIN (TUR) *WALEED BESHR MOHAMMED BESHR SALEM (UAE) *WALID MOHAMMAD MOHAMMADI (UAE) *VYTALLI SY D O R E N KO (UKR) *ROMAN PACHEV (UKR) *CRISTO P H E R T O T H ( U S A ) NICOLAS PERERA (USA)

*GILBERTO COSTA DE SOUSA (BRA) *MOHAMMAD HOSSEIN MIRSHAMSI ( I R N ) *MASSIMO AGOSTINI (ITA) *MARCELO MENDES (JPN) *RAMON RAYA M E I J A ( M E X ) * M U S TA PHA EL HADAOUI

beach soccer stars

(MOR) T A V O COWICK *SHUBERT EZ (PAN) RIO NARCISCO (POR) *MIKHAIL L I K H ACHEV ( R U S ) * O U MAR SYLL A

*GUSZLOC( PA R ) P E R *MA-

coaches

(SEN) *ANGELO SCHRINZI (SUI)

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“I want to make a return to the Japan National team, and win the World Cup.”

S

UZUKI HUNTA

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profile / FEATURE

H M

ow it all started... y earliest attempt at beach soccer was in the 4th grade. At that

time, I got a job offer at a listed company in Yokohama. But before the big crossroads that will influence my future, “It is a good thing to get a job as it is”, as it was a time I was worried about whether this was my way to go?

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n 2005, it was in the news that the Japanese national beach soccer team went to fourth

y name is Shunta Suzuki, I’m 33 years old with a lovely

M

place in the world with at the first FIFA Beach

wife, beautiful five year old daughter and a wonder-

Soccer World Cup. Until then I love football and

ful seven year old son who also plays soccer. I played for the

I have been playing in football clubs where

Japanese national team from 2010 to 2013, and was at the

national level players gather at a university. In

2011 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Ravenna. Although we

addition, I love the sea and often go out to the

were eliminated early with three-game losing streak in the

beach.

tournament, but those were memorable moments I will always be proud and I have vowed to come back as an active player on the world stage.

C

T

he turning point..

“I want to do beach soccer!” “This is the

only one!”

urrently, I play for CLUB AREIA, in SHIZUOKA for three

I refused a job offer I had decided, without

years now. And we’ve been two times champions of

knowing whether or not I will make the team.

Tokai region. Our objective is to win all Japanese beach soc-

I put all of my luggage in the car and went

cer tournaments.

to Okinawa with strong hope of making the Japanese beach soccer.

It was very tough, there were many times I got frustrated but cant blame anyone, as it was my decision. I had quit my job, moved to Okinawa away from my parents who supported me with monthly pocket money. I was prepared to do anything, absolutely anything to make the national team. I will always remember when I got informed that I was selected to the Japan national team for the first time in the World Cup, I could not stop the overflowing tears, I still clearly remember how I hid in the car for a while not to be seen by anyone.

F

or me who had never achieved a big goal, the Japanese national team has become a

big turning point that affects our lives.

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H

ello!

I’m Jenny correa, a pro beach soccer player. I played with a few clubs like Antioquia BSC Venados FC, shoreline BSC and participated in the USA Beach Soccer Cup, International Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, Yucatan Beach Soccer Cup, the MBS and haven’t lost a tournament yet.

I love Beach Soccer and want to grow the sport. Currently working on some projects for a league, academy and a Beach Soccer clothing line.

JENNY CORREA CEO/FOUNDER UNITED BEACH SOCCER LEAGUE PLAYER - SHORELINE BSC

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Founded the United Beach

Soccer Academy and league to create a professional and amateur league in North America, I first introduced the academy to the Miami Florida area, which offers beginner level classes for first time players.

The league is both professional and amateur, starting early 2018.

Profile / FEATURE

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ik eI ta ly ,S

ag ues l e le

ro p Eu en

pla y i

om w n

er

I

22

is to

ab et t

rea yd “M

m

w

an l r e itz

c. I want to b t e d e

Profile / FEATURE

pla ye

w ne et me nd ra peo

ple

th

at

sh a

re

the same e as i do” lo v

n Je n

y

I want to make it possible for professional team’s in North America to play against each other in a league. Similar to the NFL and La Liga. The United Beach Soccer League will have weekly games, trainings, and a final cup.”

- Jenny

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KONSTANTINOS PAPASTATHOPOULOS

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Interview / FEATURE

Papa W P

W I

tion, technique and of cos the great passion

my need to constantly evolve and be creative, I

he shows while on the pitch. He likes grabbing

have also taken part in a video clip and in three

opportunities and have a strong nerve to try

TV ads. In my free time, I enjoy going to the

new things. Beach Soccer means everything to

cinema or dinning with friends.

ho is Papa? apa is like two different persons in one body. One one hand, a pro

beach soccer player with good physical condi-

hat engages you aside beach soccer? work as a fitness instructor and a personal trainer in two gyms. So you can

see my whole life is all athletics. And because of

me. And on the other hand, is the hard working perfectionist Papa, who considers himself to deserve the best and that he fights for.

W I

hen did you start playing the game? started playing in 2010 at a tourna-

W O

ould you consider coaching? f course, I would love coaching a beach soccer side. I find training

young ages really interesting as you can teach and transfer knowledge easily.

ment in Schinias Greece where my

team reached the finals. And I was called by the special singled out team to play against the national one, and that was it. From that point, beach soccer became my life and I have over a 100 professional appearance in the Greek soccer.

Y

ou have got quite a noticeable appearance, are you into modelling or just

conveying a message?

T

he truth is I love applying passion in what ever I do and I believe that this helps me

stand out. When I am on the pith, I always give my 101% and at same time I consider myself to be very stylish, just because I put the same passion in my image as I do in soccer. I try to have my own personal style as I like making the difference and that’s why I always seek for ways to express my strong personality. For example, people often ask about my tattoos, but to me all my tattoos is just another way of being creative and additional ways to convey my history to others.

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beachsoccermag.com

This involvement and contribution from a company like Samsung Gulf Electronics will bring a new level of excitement and experience to beach football fans and an opportunity to connect with people across the region.�

Joan Cusco, 2011

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COVER FEATURE

Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup The Story of Champions

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COVER FEATURE / Carnival Calabar

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COVER FEATURE

The Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup, also known as the Huawei Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup for current sponsorship reasons.

Is an international beach soccer tournament which is held

in the city

of Dubai, the United Arab Emirates every November as

the finale of

annual international beach soccer season.

The invitation-only tournament has been held annually

2011

since 2011,

and it bares many similarities to the FIFA Confederations

2011Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup was the

Cup, with

every confederation represented by at least one nation,

first edition of the tournament, which took place

however is

not so strict on entry requirements as countries com-

at Jumeirah Beach in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

peting do not necessarily have to be regional champions.

from 22 to 26 November 2011.

Samsung has been the main sponsor and presenting partner of the

Eight teams participated at the competition, and

tournament since its inception. The Dubai Sports Council and Beach

while the host United Arab Emirates (AFC) fin-

Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) organise the competition and has since sup-

ished 4th place. Switzerland (UEFA) were 3rd, and

ported the development of the sport in Dubai and the Gulf Region.

Brazil (CONMEBOL) were runners-up and Russia

The annual competition has grown in stature in the past five years with

(UEFA) were Champions. Mexico (CONCACAF),

Russia being the most successful with three titles in 2011, 2012 and last

Oman (AFC), Nigeria (CAF) and Tahiti (OFC) all

year when they defeated Tahiti 5-2 in the final, followed by Brazil with

didn’t make it to the next round at the inaugural

two.

intercontinental tourney.

Following the success of the inaugural edition, the follow-up in 2012 moved to Dubai Festival City, a location within the Dubai metropolis apparently to cross promote and draw traffic to the new commercial hub.

This time, the host, United Arab Emirates (AFC) finished 3rd just behind CONMEBOL giant Brazil, while the defending champion Russia (UEFA) got their 2nd title. Nigeria (CAF) placed 4th as USA

2012

(CONCACAF), Japan (AFC), Switzerland (UEFA) and Tahiti (OFC) represented their respective region.

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The Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup returned to the Jumeirah Beach Walk in November 2013 where it all started with half of

2013 the teams making their first appearance.

The host United Arab Emirate retained their 3rd place as the defending champion Russia lost their title to the new entrants Iran in a thrilling finals, While Switzerland finished 4th , Brazil, Italy, Morocco and Mexico lost out in the preliminary stage.

Brazil got their 1st title in their 4th appearance at the Jumeirah Beach in the fourth edition of the intercontinental tournament held between 4th to 8th November

2014.

In this edition, host UAE were eliminated in the first rounds, as Russia in their 4th appearance were runnersup. New entrants Portugal finished 3rd as the defend-

2014

ing champion Iran settled for the 4th place, while USA, Morocco and Japan did not make it past the first round.

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COVER FEATURE

2015

Fifth edition of the intercontinental show piece also took place at the Dubai Jumeirah Beach November

2015, where Russia got her 3rd title. Both the host UAE and Russia had their fifth appearance at that edition.

While Tahiti representing OFC finished as runners-up, Iran from AFC placed 3rd and Mexico CONCACAF all had their 3rd appearance. New entrants were Egypt and Argentina, with the former finishing top four, while the later along with UEFA Portugal crashed out at the group stage.

At the sixth edition which held at the Dubai International Marine Club, Brazil got their 2nd title with Iran as runners-up.

2016

Three times champions Russia settled for the bronze, as OFC

giants Tahiti made top four. Hosts UAE could not make it pass group stage, along with the USA, Egypt and Portugal.

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“The continuity of the organization of the Championship in Dubai during the last six years confirms the great technical & organizational success of the event and refers that the Championship has become one of the eminent events in the annual sports agenda of Dubai�.

- Saeed Mohammad Harib, DSC General Secretary 2017

B e a ch

Soccer

I n t e rc o n t i n e n ta l

Cup

Portugal

Mexico

Egypt

Brazil

Paraguay

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Iran

UAE

COVER FEATURE

T

he battle ground is set for the seventh installment of the Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup in

few weeks, the place where continental champions fight for glory. Eight of world best nations will once again take to the Dubai sands and this time a new location at the Dubai Business Bay, Marasi – Dubai Water Canal, where

Russia

fans will enjoy both the matches and all that surround it at the splendid views of the location.

Draws for this seventh edition were held earlier this month (October 3rd, 2017) at Dubai Sports Council’s premises pitching the host UAE Beach Soccer National Team in group A along Brazil the title holder, Portugal and Egypt. While group B is scheduled to be contested

by Mexico, Iran, Paraguay and three times titles champions Russia.

The annual show piece is scheduled for 31st October to 4th November 2017.

“The Emirate of Dubai has become an eminent destination to attract top national teams & beach soccer fans.”

- Joan Cusco FIFA Beach Soccer Committee 2017

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Haʻapai

beach soccer, a perfect fit

In October 2015, Beach Soccer was introduced to the Haápai groups, and her two large islands Lifuka and Foa grabbed the opportunity to develop the game. Fast forward to 2017, the game is an everyday activity for the youth of the Islands of Haápai which recently berth the launch of a Beach Soccer Major League kicked off earlier in 2017 featuring 9 senior men teams, 4 women’s teams and 6 U16 teams at the Fangaleóunga Beach Soccer arena.

“we don’t have that many people live here in Haápai, but when I learnt Beach Soccer is a five a-side football, I said wow this sport is perfectly fit for Haápai.’’

– Mr. Moále Finau; Haápai Governor

At a one-day seminar held in Pangai, Haápai proved a real eye opener to all those who attended, as the Tonga Football Association (TFA) laid out the road map that outline the developing a strong beach soccer programme. In attendance were representatives of 14 beach soccer clubs, Mr. Kilifi Uele; TFA Technical Director and Tevita Vea; Head of Refereeing. to conduct the seminar in presenting the Tonga FA technical and development plan for 2017.

The Ha’apai group is comprised of 62 islands and a part of the Kingdom of Tonga, a Polynesian sovereign state located at the heart of the Pacific Ocean.

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#203 5-4 Toyotamakita, Nerima-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN 1760012 Tel: +81-3-6721-0952 / Fax: +81-3-6721-0952 Info@kiloalfa.co.jp Produced by

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U G A N DA

THE

EAST AFRICAN

TEMPLATE

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-F

FEATURE

T

he path towards beach

soccer

A

nd so far, our activities has attracted cor-

de-

porate sponsorship for the National

in

Beach Soccer League in Uganda with

Uganda and the

a headline sponsorship of 150 Mil-

East Africa as

lion Uganda Shillings (USD 42,000)

a whole

growth

Moses Magogo

A F U

e nt d i s e Pr

and

velopment

has

by Pepsi since 2013. The beach soccer

not been an

association chaired by Deo Mutabazi

easy

ride,

under the Federation of Uganda Foot-

with divergent

ball Association (FUFA) has also been

perceptions

able to pioneer a regional Champion-

about

beaches

ship in the region “East Africa Beach

waterfronts,

Soccer Championship� for Senior Na-

it took quite a long

tional teams and the East Africa Beach

and

time before its accep-

Soccer Clubs Championship for the

tance and popularity we see

league clubs. Our excellent working

today. The shores of Lake Victoria

relationship with the FKF (Kenya),

was where it all started and has con-

TFF (Tanzania) and ZFA (Zanziba) has

tinually developed, but not without

Been Productive, which gave rise to

a number of challenges, including

the East Africa Beach Soccer Union.

basic funding for balls, provision of

U

pitches and capacity development programs. But the pioneers of the

ganda is indeed introducing the sport to other countries in the

region. In 2014, Uganda Beach Soccer

sport in the region were focused and

Association embarked on a road trip

know what the it meant for the people.

to Zanzibar to launch the beautiful

T

oday in Uganda, the beach soccer

sport at the Indian Ocean Island. The

association has been able to run

following year in January 2015, again

the following competitions succes-

we embarked on another long road

sively since its introduction in 2010;.

trip to Mombasa, the Kenyan coastal

1 2

National Beach Soccer

town to promote the game. Today,

League

we can say that we were instrumen-

University Beach Soccer

Championship (UBSA)

tal to the formations of the following national teams; Uganda Sand Cranes, Harambe Sand Stars for Kenya and the Zanzibar Sand Heroes and ensure

3

National Schools Beach

sustainability, Malindi Beach Soccer

Soccer Challenge

Championship was born in Kenya December 2015. And Later same year, Tan-

4

Youth Beach Soccer Cup

zania was introduced which saw the birth of the Tanzanian Taifa Sand Stars. At the

( Under 13)

last Fifa beach Soccer World Cup qualifiers, the East Africa nations above took part.

5

National Women Beach Soccer League

F

ast forward 2017, the we launched a Beach Soccer Refereeing and

Coaching in Rwanda along with Scan-

6

Muwanguzi

Memorial

Beach Soccer Cup

7

Corporate Xmas Beach Soccer Challenge

dinavia Sports and Organisation of Women in Sports to ensure that the right foundation is set for the game.

- Deo Mutabazi

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FEATURE

WHAT ARE THEY DOING

RIGHT?

Tahiti National Football team scored a single goal in its 6–1 loss to Nigeria at the 2013 Confederations Cup, the team tweeted, “WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!” Fans from around the world quickly fell in love with the nation’s enthusiastic celebrations and underdog story.

an Island in French Polynesia in the South

Pacific Ocean, Tahiti is located 5,700km from Australia. The island is 45km across at its widest point and covers an area of 1,045 square km. With a population of about 280,000 and who’s national sport is canoeing is currently placed 5th on FIFA beach soccer world ranking, just as it’s neighbours in the South Pacific Ocean such as Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Cook Islands, are all ranked a distant 84th. On the grass, the their national team is ranked 152nd, but move to the beach, its a whole lot different.

The nation had their first attempt at the 2011 FIFA beach soccer world cup, and in 2013, made history becoming the first Pacific nation to qualify in to the knockout stages. At the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Tahiti had an impressive finish as runners-up, and repeated same in 2017.

So why is Tahiti so successful on the sand when

it has never even qualified for the FIFA World Cup on grass?

The island country has had a beach team for most of the time the sport has formally existed, it only started its grass program in 1989, years behind the rest of the world. In 2013, Tahiti hosted the beach tournament, and this increased local enthusiasm

“In the world of football, Tahiti is a tiny fish in a vast ocean.

And yet, when they cobble together a team of fishermen, firemen, prison guards, office administrators, telecommunications technicians - you name it - they produce one of the world’s finest soccer team.”

- Ben Strang

for the game. While the grass roster is made up of athletes who play part-time for Tahiti club teams and work the remainder of their days as accountants, teachers, or mountain/coconut tree climbers, at least five of the 14 beach competitors play for beach clubs outside of Tahiti such as FC Barcelona. Their beach soccer players has got more international experience.

Just before the 2013 beach soccer world cup tournament, current Switzerland coach and FIFA beach soccer instructor Angelo Schirinzi coached Tahiti’s beach squad, and during his stay he encouraged players to participate in Switzerland’s club league.

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Zeeland Beach Soccer

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opens a new pitch in Terneuzen.

eptember 2017 marked a big moment at the opening of a new beach soccer pitch by Beach Soccer Zeeland in Terneuzen, the Netherlands. This was the reward of months of hard work and partnerships from the local government, sponsors, players and friends.

The press opening witnessed huge attendance, which shows the love and passion for the sport in Terneuzen. It was indeed an opportunity for the people to further connect with the players and administrators of beach sports.

At the opening there were demonstration games of different sports, including beach volleyball, beach tennis, beach basketball and the main attraction; beach soccer. The last Dutch champions of beach tennis, the runner-ups from beach volleyball and also the talents of PKC, the biggest club of the Netherlands were in attendance to display their skills.

The formal opening of the pitch was performed by two members of the local government; Thomas Martin and Peter Monster who unveiled the facility name “XMART Beach Sports Accommodation.�

XMART, the diamond partner of Zeeland Beach Soccer since 2016 were key to the realization of the project.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Picture perfect

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…b

playing each soccer outside of a beach

ON

By Taye Olajide

G still BEACH SOCCER

etting the venues right is paramount for a sport aspiring to global popularity and becoming more than a kick-about in

the sand. Beach soccer is indeed a great spectator sport, fun, and is where most people traditionally had their first kick of a ball. It is more exciting to watch and people get sucked into that whole beach culture it presents.

Constructing pitches for the sand-bound version of the beautiful game is a rapidly growing industry and this increase is being seen at places not always associated with natural beaches successfully taking up the game like landlocked countries Switzerland, Paraguay and Belarus who have repeatedly featured for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups. It is a fact that some countries know they are never going to win the World Cup, but could win at beach soccer.

Today, a high percentage of beach soccer stadiums are temporary, but key to moving the sport

“To build a beach soccer Stadium outside of a beach, should move beyond the beach in the middle of a street or shores for a more permanent square, you need 800 tonnes of locations. sand” forward and the introduction of FIFA stadium guidelines, it

H 1

ere, five steps to con-

structing artificial beach soccer pitch.

- Identify suitable location and define your beach soccer pitch area, including play zone and at least a two meter off pitch

boundary round the play zone. Remember, the pitch size depends on your available space, even though regulation size measures between 35 to 37 meters and 26 to 28 meters.

2

- Removing top soil of the defined area, most builders aspire to create a level surface with the sub-base of the pitch area gener-

ally sloped to help with the drainage. This is essential in case of rain.

BSWW advises using perforated PVC pipes covered with permeable fabric inside gravel-covered ducts and covered again with another layer of permeable fabric. You don’t wanna have a water logged pitch.

*

Please note, as all these activities goes on, arrangements for sand most have been sorted. To build a beach soccer stadium outside

of a beach in the middle of a street or square, you need about 800 tonnes of sand, not just any sand, and certainly not the type used in general construction. Grains must be between 0.2mm and 0.3mm in diameter and are generally sourced from beaches and desert dunes.

If this is not possible, a near perfect fit can be sourced.

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- Assuming top soil is removed, sub-drain perforated pipes are installed to slope, sand delivered sieved and free of pebbles,

a sand pitch is then laid to a depth of at least 40 centimeters. A wood or brick retention box should be installed to prevent sand loss and a mesh fence installed to prevent animals fouling the pitch.

4

- Pitch equipment and accessories. The Goal Post 5x2.2 meters can be locally fabricated, otherwise a standard one can be

ordered from BSWW equipment partners. Pitch Boundary Lines are blue Geo-textile materials, so you could use a fireman water hose, yes it’s blue too. A roll and half would just be perfect for your standard pitch... Just like mine ... :)). Although the corner flags are special PVC flag poles mounted on flexible rubber base which is buried in soil to allow for free pole swings. A traditional hollow PVC round pipes of about 1.2 meters height could just be stuck it into the soil with your red and yellow fabric flags at the tip.

5

- Get the balls, invite your friends and let the game begin!

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BEACH SOCCER CONFERENCE

16th - 18th October, 2017

GIVEROLA RESORT I

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Costa Brava, Spain

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iverola Resort hosted her first Beach Soccer Conference drawing participants across global stakeholders of the game. The event was accomplished in a relaxed atmosphere and perfect

weather of Gosta Brava.

Quality presentations were made by the co-host of the event; Angelo Schirinzi, a FIFA Beach Soccer Instructor and Swiss Beach Soccer Coach.

Discussions were centered on trends of the game, The resort offered a full complimentary program including rooms with views to the Mediterranean cliffs of Costa Brava, meals and access to the brand new Beach Soccer and Sports facilities.

Some of the participants includes the delegation from the Football Federation of Ukraine; Yevhen Varenitsa - Beach Soccer National Team Head Coach, Mykola Kostenko and Vitalii Sydorenko. From the Polish Football Association are Marcin Stanisławski - Beach Soccer National Team Head Coach, Wojciech Polakowski - Beach Soccer National Team U21 Coach, and Michał Piekarczyk the Head of Delegation. Matteo Martucci the Dutch National Beach Soccer Head Coach, and Rodrigo Garcia of the BSWW.

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ngelo Schirinzi treated participants with great slides and extracts from his latest work - “The new FIFA manual for Beach Soccer.�

After the seminar sessions, participant had oppor-

tunities to discuss particular situation of Beach Soccer in their respective capacities, global trends as well as situation and solutions related to local leagues of different countries.

Rodrigo Garcia (Beach Soccer World Wide) definitely added great valued insights to the participants as he shared his experience and knowledge.

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Besides the obvious informational value of the meetings, the participants initiated few interesting projects and cooperations that shall be unveiled soon.

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Giverola Resort, surrounded by hills by the Costa Brava coast, is a hotel, Sport and Spar holiday hospitality which lies on a hacienda-style beach front resort, 4.7 km from Tossa de Mar town center.

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