Beach Soccer’s growth is unstoppable, and more and more countries, regions and communities feel interested in not only developing the sport, but hosting international competitions. Precisely with this double purpose, a FIFA Beach Soccer Seminar was held last week in Kalutara (Sri Lanka), involving up to 12 Federations from Central and South Asia.
Representatives from the football federations from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan voiced their counties strong will to begin establishing Beach Soccer on their territory, and took part in the Seminar offered by FIFA Beach Soccer. Marcelo Mendes, FIFA Coaches Instructor, and Josep Ponset, Beach Soccer Worldwide Head of Competition drove the lessons, dealing with coaching and management issues, and Marco Schuepp, FIFA Futsal and Beach Soccer Development Coordinator, directed the Seminar.
All the participants in the symposium stated they optimism and their commitment to settle Beach Soccer in their countries. Aware of the sport potential and their absolute interest, most of the Federations expect to be organizing competitions and events really soon, and they want to see their national outfits taking part in international competitions in a couple of years. Beach Soccer will be glad to welcome them!
Together with the seminar, a couple of technical courses were organized for local coaches and referees. Stephan Fassler, FIFA Referees Instructor, and Marcelo Mendes, FIFA Coaches Instructor, taught them about the Beach Soccer discipline and regulations. Besides, Kalutara inhabitants could also witness the magic of this sport, since a Beach Soccer Festival was performed in two different pitches, and they proved that people in Asia are truly interested in the game.
