Sand soccer, the North American equivalent of field soccer or beach soccer, has grown in popularity in recent years. The North American Soccer Championship (NASC) is the planet s premier annual sand soccer tournament as more than 11,000 players from across the Americas compete in the Virginia Beach sand at the world s largest single-weekend sand soccer event each year.
Sand Soccer
Although the popularity of this and similar tournaments has waned in other parts of the world (such as in Europe where the format is more standard), the popularity of hosting sand soccer events continues to grow in the United States. As well as drawing high profiles teams from around the world, the Virginia Beach event attracts a crowd that is known to be one of the best in the world.
This high profile draws the attention of fans who attend the tournaments. But don’t let the size of the crowds intimidate you. Unlike football, sand soccer is a low pressure sport that requires only the presence of two players. A goalkeeper plays the role of a sweeper who protects the goal from crossers, while a forward passes and receives the ball in the attacking team’s half. Because the goal is in a protected area and the playing area is relatively large, most attacks occur close to the goal. Therefore, the position of sweeper and forward combined is a key player on the back line.
Youth soccer in Virginia Beach features competitive teams such as the Youth Soccer Association (YSA), Virgin Islands Soccer Association (VISA), and Virginia Beach Traffic Soccer (VABT). All are part of the NASC. Youth teams play at F.A.Q. Park in Virginia Beach, and are subject to qualification by winning a series of qualifying tournaments. Youth teams also participate in the U.S. Open of Soccer, an international tournament with teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica.
Another major aspect of sand soccer in Virginia Beach is the annual Virginia Beach Classic. This competition benefits children, teens and adults alike. Competitors from across the nation attend the tournament, which includes teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico and other North American countries. The tournament also features teams from Great Britain, South Africa and Brazil. Each year, the United States hosts the U.S. Open of soccer, which is a completely international competition.
Besides the sand soccer tournaments, Virginia Beach has a host of other beach soccer events. The PDGA Aquarium has been hosting beach soccer tournaments for over 20 years, and is a well known non-profit organization. They have been featured in ESPN, TV and radio. There are a number of summer beach soccer championships held, including the annual Ocean State Cup, South Carolina Cup, Maryland Cup, Virginia Beach Invitational and the UPS finals.
Beach Soccer in Virginia Beach also hosts a number of clinics each year that teach players about the game and techniques. There are rules and regulations to play the game, including the use of a soccer referee. Teams and players must wear protective gear such as helmets and jerseys. Players are allowed to play for their entire lives, but may be forced to quit if they are caught smoking, drinking alcohol or using drugs. Individuals who participate in a Virginia Beach soccer tournament or an on-site tournament are required to adhere to the rules of the game, and are punished by forfeit of points, fines, and suspension from the team or league.
A major part of sand soccer in Virginia Beach is free kicks. Free kicks are not allowed in regular soccer, but only with a special device called a “flamenco”. A “flamenco” is a type of soccer ball made from a bottle filled with flammable liquid. Other types of free kicks include headers and shots on goal. Flamenco is used to simulate the sound of a burning engine, and players must be careful not to touch the liquid with their hands, as it will increase the burning sensation.
Sand soccer in Virginia Beach is a great way to get in shape, as players can participate in tournaments or play in their own neighborhood’s beach soccer field. This exciting sport provides an excellent way for young children to develop physical skills and confidence while learning to love the sport of soccer. It also teaches children the importance of teamwork and how to trust others when playing a game of soccer. For these reasons, the United States Soccer Federation holds national sand soccer tournaments, as well as regional championships, all across the country.https://www.youtube.com/embed/wy8sRPgDRTM