06 Jun 2017

Swedish ‘vikings' make their mark in beach soccer

More than 100 people from Sweden took part in the Euro Winners Cup, the first ever international experience for the national beach soccer

Swedish beach soccer had its first international experience in the Euro Winners Cup Nazaré 2017, and they not only contributed to make the competition the biggest top-class club beach soccer event ever, they also left an unforgettable memory in the hearts of their fans. 

The players played a big role with their attitude on and off the pitch, their passion, their special approach to the event, and they way they made the most of such an experience. But a special mention must also go to their loyal legion of fans, who faithfully supported the men’s and women's teams in every single match, creating a yellow wave on the stands beside the pitch, with their Viking helmets and yellow t-shirts, as well as the infamous post-match celebration dance.

All in all, more than 100 people flew more than 3,000 kilometers from Sweden to play a key role in the 2017 edition of the Euro Winners Cup. In the streets of Nazaré, or in any of the pitches of the competition, more often than not you would see a a group of people, dressed in yellow, smiling, laughing, having a good time, and encapsulating what the sport of beach soccer is all about.

Glomminge and Vetlanda United came all the way down from Sweden to take part in this edition, and, despite the result, the experience made the trip worthwhile for players and fans. 

As Patrick Blömstrom, head of Swedish Beach Soccer, said after Vetlanda’s cruel defeat to Havana Shots in the last second of the game: “We have been very unlucky, but it was a great experience. When we look back and think about our performances, we will feel disappointed, because we feel we made a good tournament, but at the same time we will feel that we are very fortunate to have been a part of this event”.

While the results could have been better for both teams, the past week in Nazaré has given them a great experience, and offered a unique chance to learn.

Furthermore, the Swedish teams and their unforgettable fans have earned a special place in everyone’s heart thanks to their passion, their love for the game, their positive attitude and their indelible smile. 

See you soon, friends!