Teenagers from the Isle of Wight will represent Great Britain in the first Madjer International Youth Beach Soccer Cup in Portugal this summer.
An Under 16 and Under 18 squad from the Island will travel to Buarcos Beach in Figueira da Foz between 21st-24th June to compete against youth teams from across the world.
The Isle of Wight teams will be the only UK players to travel to the tournament.
Isle of Wight Beach Soccer’s general manager, Luke Kerr, said:
“We are delighted to be, once again, leading from the front with beach soccer in the UK and making history by attending this groundbreaking international youth cup.
“We have been the pioneers for many areas of the sport in the UK and attending this event is going to be extra special.”
A full training and match schedule is now being arranged by Elite Soccer UK to prepare the youngsters for the competition, which will feature between 12 and 16 teams of boys and girls from as far afield as the USA.
16-year-old Ryde Academy student Dexter Collins, who will play in the Isle of Wight’s under-18 squad, said:
“We’re really excited, I have never played against teams from other countries and it will be interesting to see what beach soccer is like in other parts of the world. It’s a really great chance for us to showcase what we can do as a little Island. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Steven Ciltron, one of the tournament organisers, said it was a great opportunity for all involved…
“Talented youth teams can gain tremendous experience and benefit greatly by participating in international competitions.
“These benefits not only include advancing their skills and experience in the sport itself but also extending it to multi-cultural learning and the development of lifelong friendships supported by the love and passion for this sport, which can help players from all countries and cultures find a common ground.”
You can follow the progress of the Island squads and the latest beach soccer news online at www.iwbsa.com. Find out more about the Madjer International Youth Beach Soccer Cup at https://figueirabeachsportscity.com/en/events/madjer-international-youth-cup/.
