Major Beach Soccer is coming to Cocoa Beach on Florida’s Space Coast July 22-23, 2017. Beach Soccer is young by global sporting standards. The game started in Brazil and was played on beaches around the world for years, but the rules were officially codified in 1992. It is a FIFA-Sanctioned branch of the soccer family. Major Beach Soccer has been operating its Beach Soccer Tournament Event Series in Florida for over 30 years and is excited to bring the sport to Cocoa Beach.
The matches are very entertaining, featuring a constant flow of spectacular plays. As it is difficult to roll the ball on the sand, the strategy naturally shifts to flicks, tricks, volleys and bicycle kicks. The teams are 5 vs 5 with 13 divisions for Youth, Co-ed and Adults. Play happens on 4 fields with a Center Championship Stadium Field set up on the sand.
The beach soccer space is 30 yards wide by 40 yards long. By comparison, a standard size soccer field is 120 yards long by 80 yards wide. The goals in beach soccer are smaller, about a foot smaller in height and three feet shorter in width. Beach soccer teams have five players on the field at one time, four field players and a goal keeper. Five additional players are allowed on the roster and the coach can substitute on the fly, like hockey. Beach soccer includes three 10-minute periods, so it’s a 30-minute game. A field soccer game ranges from 70 to 90 minutes.
Alan Shepard Park, at the east end of State Road 520, will be the host venue for Major Beach Soccer. This oceanfront park is named for America’s first astronaut and will be an ideal location for players and spectators.
For more information, go to www.majorbeachsoccer.com.