By Valli Vida Gideons

Four years ago, a small group of soccer enthusiasts started a sand soccer tournament in Virginia Beach in an effort to raise funds for the 19-field soccer complex in Princess Anne Park. The first year, 28 teams participated in the event.

Since then, the event has grown dramatically. In fact, the North American Sand Soccer Championships, as the tournament is called, is now recognized as the largest weekend sand soccer event in the world. This year's tournament, which will involve more than 2,600 players, will take place on June 5, 6 and 7 between 1st and 12th streets.

The tournament takes place under the auspices of the "Hampton Roads Soccer Council", a coalition put together by Virginia Beach soccer clubs and the City of Virginia Beach. But the tournament is not just about raising money, according to organizers. Another important goal, they say, is to create enthusiasm for the sport in Hampton Roads.

"At first, the outdoor soccer purists didn't understand sand soccer", says Dick Whalen, tournament director. "Now, he says, "people are hooked on it." And sand soccer is building momentum.

In order to keep the tournament fresh and growing, new attractions have been added. This year, both amateur and professional players from all over the world will participate. Some of the beach soccer players will join the Mariners and two Brazilian teams for an exhibition match. Free technique clinics will be conducted by members of the U.S. National Beach Soccer Team, which just returned from Asian competition. But the pros aren't going to dominate the tournament. Two thirds of all competitors in this year's event are youth players aged 9 through 19.

There will definitely be visibility for the sport when the North American Sand Soccer Championships arrive to the oceanfront of Virginia Beach. Teams of all ages, abilities, gender and backgrounds will be trying their feet at the newest and fastest growing sport to hit the beach.