HOST OF ISLAND TEAMS TAKE PART IN BEACH SOCCER YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS AT APPLEY

A plethora of local youth football teams recently took part in the Beach Soccer Youth Championships at Appley Beach in Ryde. As the sun set on the golden beaches, the Isle of Wight transformed into a vibrant arena of youthful exuberance and competitive spirit. The 2024 England Beach Soccer Youth Championships, a grand spectacle sponsored by Domino’s and partnership with Forza, unfolded over three exhilarating days, showcasing the future stars of beach soccer. With over 160 teams vying for glory across 13 age-specific categories, the championships were a testament to the sport’s growing popularity. The air buzzed with excitement as more than 260 games played out, a staggering 1200 goals scored, and the cheers of victory and the applause of sportsmanship echoed across the sands. The event, meticulously delivered by the England Beach Soccer Association in partnership with FORZA and Ryde Town Council, was more than just a tournament; it was a festival celebrating the passion and dedication of young athletes. In the under-7 mixed category, Vectis U7 emerged as the champions, clinching the coveted gold, while Downside Panthers secured silver. The plate final saw Brading U7 triumph, with Acorns proudly taking home the silver. The under-8 competition witnessed Downside’s golden victory, with Gurnard and High Park completing the podium. Vectis U8 lifted the plate trophy, marking their success in the sands. Vectis U9 continued the winning streak in their category, with Oakfield Merlins gracefully accepting the silver.

The under-10 championships had Newport Youth basking in gold, with Phoenix rising to claim silver. A historic moment unfolded with the first all-girls under-10 competition, where Ventnor shone the brightest, winning gold, and Wight Eagles secured the runner-up spot. Newport won the plate final, with Greenmount taking the second place. The under-11 category was dominated by Ryde Saints Raptors, who soared to gold, leaving the Sharks with a gleaming silver. Shanklin’s under-12 boys achieved back-to-back titles, with Littlehampton Youth making an impressive debut with silver. Ventnor’s girls under-12 team dazzled with gold, and Wight Eagles added another silver to their collection. Vectis claimed the plate final, with Ventnor taking the runner-up position. Brodies Bulldogs grabbed gold in the under-13 category, with Harvey Browns taking silver. Vectis Pink continued their dominance in the under-14 boys’ category, with Gurnard Purple securing silver. The under-14 girls’ category saw Fareham girls dominate and take home gold, with Wight Eagles once again flying high with silver. Ventnor triumphed in the plate final. The under-16 girls’ championship was a showcase of Wight Eagles’ prowess, winning gold, with Broomfield taking silver. The under-16 boys’ championship culminated in a thrilling final where Blue Punishers emerged victorious, with Team Pogba earning silver. A special note of gratitude is extended to the 8-strong team of officials who, in the blistering heat, managed to collate scores and oversee the 260 games with unwavering dedication.