WHAT IS BEACH FOOTBALL ?
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It’s football but not as you know it – its played on sand!
• It is played barefoot
• According to FIFA rules (www.beachsoccer.com):
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Field size: 28 x 37m
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Goals: 5.5 x 2.2m
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Beach Football ball (circum: 66-71cm, 396-440 grams), Size 4- 5
- 2 teams, max 10 players per team (4 field players, 1 goal - keeper, 5 flying
substitutes)
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Playtime: 3 x 12 mins with 3 min break
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2 referees per game plus 1 time keeper
WHY BEACH FOOTBALL?
• a trendy new sport that combines fitness, fun and lifestyle
• entertaining to watch as it is fast and there are lots of spectacular actions and goals:
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average: 10 goals per match
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approx. every 30 seconds there is a shot on goal
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no offsite, free kicks are direct without a wall, etc
• less injuries for players
• with all of Australia’s amazing beaches, there is an unlimited opportunity to set up
fields and to play the game
• early 2005 FIFA became the governing body of Beach Soccer and is responsible for
developing the game and for organising the annual World Cup tournaments
• after the recent success of the Socceroos, all disciplines of Football will grow in
popularity in Australia, including Beach Football
• awareness and acceptance of Beach Football in Australia is increasing
• Beach Football is a growing sport worldwide and there are currently various
international tournaments
BEACH FOOTBALL IN AUSTRALIA
History
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Sept 2001 - First Beach Football Tournament on Manly Beach, 1 day event, 8 men
teams
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Feb 2002 - Foundation of the first Beach Soccer Association in Australia - Manly
Warringah Beach Soccer Association in Sydney
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Oct 2004 – Beach Football tournament in Surfers Paradise during Indy Grand Prix
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April 2005 - Australian Beach Football trial games at Manly Beach - Selection of the
first FFA Beach Football National Team
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May 2005 - Australian Beach Soccer Team lead by Alex Tobin participated in the
inaugural FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Brazil
•
Since Oct 2005 - Manly - Just for Fun Beach Football Games – fortnightly, average 10-
20 players
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Nov 2005 - Queensland Beach Soccer Association Formed
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December 2005 - First Eastern Suburbs Beach Football Tournament on Maroubra
Beach, 32 teams, 24 men and 8 women teams, 2 day tournament
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January 2006 - Sandstorm Beach Volleyball facility launches Beach Football
competitions
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November 2006 - First Queensland State representative team selection games in
Brisbane
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December 2006 - Second Eastern Suburbs Beach Football tournament on Maroubra
Beach endorsed by Soccer NSW
