(14/1/2019) Beach football comes to Freo

Football West will bring a little bit of Brazil to Fremantle this weekend when they host a beach soccer tournament at Bathers Beach.

The tournament will feature around 160 players in 20 teams across three competitions.

The women’s and mixed teams will be playing from noon – 6pm on Saturday followed by the men’s competition on Sunday.

Football West Head of Member Services Alex Novatsis said beach football was an exciting game known for its outrageous skills and spectacular shots and saves.

“It’s fun and very social and, like futsal and Walking Football, is another format of the sport for people to enjoy along with the traditional 11-a-side,” Mr Novatsis said.

“We chose Fremantle because a few years ago we held a joint beach football and cricket event at Bathers Beach which was a big success.

“We found working with the City of Fremantle a very positive experience and we’re keen to further build that relationship.”

Two pitches will be in operation during the tournament.  Matches will be played over two 10 minutes halves, with each team playing in a round-robin format followed by semi-finals and finals.

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the tournament promised to be a great spectacle.

“What better way to spend an afternoon than to watch some spectacular beach soccer at our beautiful Bathers Beach,” Mayor Pettitt said.

“And when the soccer is done why not kick back, relax and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean at Perth’s only licenced beach.” 

Beach football began in Brazil in the 1940s but has grown massively over the past 25 years helped by the likes of Zico, Eric Cantona, Romario and other world stars playing the game.

The first Beach Soccer World Championship took place in 1995 in Rio de Janeiro while the current format, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, began in 2005. Brazil has been world champions a record 14 times, while Portugal, Russia and France have also been champions.

The next World Cup takes place in Paraguay in November 2019.

For more information about the Fremantle Beach Football tournament visit the Football West website.

For a taste of what to expect from beach football click here.

Music in this video by Bensound.