by Scott Vanier

A record field of 432 teams will test the newly expanded oceanfront as the 7th annual North American Sand Soccer Championships roar into Virginia Beach June 10-11.

Recently cited as a “Top 20" event by the Southeastern Tourism Society, and billed as the largest single weekend beach soccer extravaganza, the tournament will host approximately 3,500 youth and adult sports enthusiasts from ten states and several countries who will compete in 36 divisions of varying ages and skill levels. Against 26 pioneering teams in 1994, its first year of operation, last year’s Championships attracted 362 teams, plus an estimated 50,000 spectators.

Presented for a second consecutive year by First Virginia Bank of Tidewater, and supported by a host of corporate sponsors and advertisers, the Championships are conducted by the Hampton Roads Soccer Council as the organization’s principle fundraiser for the continued development and operation the Hampton Roads Soccer Complex, in Princess Anne section of Virginia Beach.

Sand soccer involves 5 on 5 play in a beach grid sized to a maximum of 30X40 yards. The game is fast paced, features significant aerial action and is played internationally through the professional level by the “Professional Beach Soccer Tour.” Giancarlo Signorini, commissioner of the Pro Beach Tour will attend this weekend’s event.

Leading the international parade are six teams from Norway, which collectively raised $100,000 to make the long journey to Virginia Beach. Following an initial boys team last year, Norway’s 2000 contingent is set for a full week’s stay in the region and will feature four boys and two adult men’s squads, including “Babanation,”one of the country’s top rock groups. The Norwegian U-14 boy’s team will also conduct an outdoor soccer exhibition against the local Beach FC Impact at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex June 10 at 5:30 PM, in advance of the Hampton Roads Mariners match versus Raleigh. Visits to Old Dominion University and Frank W. Cox High School are also planned.

Meanwhile, Canada’s Northwest Territories are fielding two high school teams from the gold-mining town of Yellowknife, located sixteen hours overland from the nearest airport in Edmonton. Attracted to the Virginia Beach event by the Internet, the Canadians play 5 on 5 soccer year-round, given that winter temperatures dip to minus 60 degrees, driving most sports indoors.

A men’s college team from the University of Northumbria, England will also compete, as well as a group of Under-15/16 Bosnian boys in the youth divisions, which comprise nearly three-quarters of the tournament. Adult competition is expected to again be highlighted by a cash Pro/Am bracket, including the Brazilian “Flamilia”, returning tho defend their crown for a third consecutive year. Always a crowd favorite with their sand soccer skills and flair, the Flamilia are expected to be tested by several local teams of former college soccer standouts, and two Bosnian sides bringing former professional national team athletes.

Local military teams will also participate, representing ships and shore activities in Hampton Roads and Camp LeJuene, NC. Entries include teams from the nuclear-powered aircraft carriers George Washington and Harry S. Truman, the Atlantic Intelligence Command and the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic, frigate Simpson and the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion.

Beyond the actual competition, nearly 100 military personnel from Oceana’s Fighter Squadron VF 101, Norfolk-based Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron 14 and the Marine Corps 4th Supply Battalion in Newport News will assist soccer-parent volunteers in a massive tournament site construction effort in converting the Virginia Beach strand from 1st through 14th Streets into more than thirty sand soccer fields.

Expanded fun zone operations are planned and include live music on a beach stage at 8th Street, sponsored by Z104,. Several veterans of last year’s Women’s World Cup will be on scene for player auto graphs. A demonstration of celebrity and professional sand soccer skills will be conducted in the Fun Zone June 10 at 12:15 PM.