All talk in Galicia is focused on the imminent Euro Beach Soccer League stage.
Opportunity, excitement, anticipation and, of course, beach soccer were the key themes of this morning’s press conference in Sanxenxo ahead of the second stage of the Euro Beach Soccer League 2016.
Key figures from the sport and local officials met with media representatives on the sands of Silgar beach on Thursday morning to discuss what lies ahead over the coming days as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the Beach Soccer Worldwide calendar arrives in the stunning Galician resort.
Teams will train throughout Thursday ahead of Friday’s big kick-off between England and Andorra at 13.00 local time, with hosts Spain rounding off the first day’s action against Romania in the primetime 19.15 slot.
One man who will be cheering his compatriots on from the stands is Galicia-born local hero Ramiro Amarelle and the former Spain captain is eagerly anticipating the start of the action.
The former international turned FIFA instructor said: “Today is a very special day for me, it is 20 years to the day since I made by Spain debut in beach soccer.
“Beach soccer is my life, it has given me everything and now seeing my country, my national team, my sport, come to my house is a unique sensation.”
Spain coach Joaquin Alonso was also present and added: “You can’t find a better place than here for beach soccer.
“Both myself and the team are hugely excited about taking part in this event. Galicia is a worldwide reference point in the beach soccer community and everybody knows it. Being able to host such an event on these sands is something very special.”
Amarelle is a product of an area which cherishes beach soccer and places it as a key priority in its sporting education while this weekend’s event will also provide an economic and touristic boost to the region – further points raised during Thursday’s press conference.
Rafael Louzan, president of the Galician Football Federation (FGF), said: “I would like to welcome everybody to Sanxenxo and also highlight that this is a very important event for the area.
“The FGF has always supported beach soccer and for us it is a big honour to host such an important international event in Galicia.”
Gonzalo Pita, Mayor of Sanxenxo, continued: “I want to thank everyone for being here and for their support and confidence in Sanxenxo.
“This event is of huge importance for Sanxenxo, as it means the city will be seen live in 130 countries across the world.
“This means huge promotion for the city and this stage is very helpful for tourism because it has meant huge occupation for hotels in the city during weeks that are not normally as busy.”
Lete Lasa, the General Secretary for Sport within Galicia City Council, added: “There is no better place than Sanxenxo for such an event.
“Galicia has the best beaches in the country and, for Galicia, beach soccer is a key part of our sport programme and we are supporting it with everything we can.
“It is a growing sport and we want to make sure it remains a key part of our sporting identity.”
There was time for Gabino Renales, vice-president of BSWW, to explain the EBSL format, which sees a three-stage league build towards August’s Superfinal in Catania.
Split into Division A and Division B, eight of the 12 best-ranked teams in Division A will head to Catania while in Division B, the winners of each stage plus the three best-ranked runners-up have the chance to earn promotion to Division A in Sicily.
With the Moscow stage complete and Sanxenxo and Cascais both to come, the vice-president said: “It is a pleasure for Beach Soccer Worldwide to be here, this is a magnificent beach and a magnificent city.
“The teams have already mentioned to us their satisfaction with both Sanxenxo itself and the warm welcome they have received here. They are all looking forward to this huge event beginning.”
Finalising, Nava Castro, director for tourism in Galicia, summed up: “Events like this, of this level, are always welcome here in Galicia.
“We’re strong believers in the connection between tourism and sport and because of that we couldn’t say no to this incredible opportunity to host such an important competition.
“I fully expect this event to help increase knowledge of Galicia across the world.”
