Samba-style soccer returns to New Brighton sands

May 30 2008 by Peter Guy, Liverpool Daily Post

The Wirral will soon play host to the largest beach soccer competition in the UK.

On Saturday June 14, an expected 150 teams will descend on the sands at the Perch Rock Fort at New Brighton, Wirral.

The event, organised by the Birkenhead and Wirral Association Football League and in conjunction with Wirral is now in its 10th year and will include boys/girls teams (age 8-16) and both men and women’s (open age) competitors.

The League Secretary, Joe Rooney, said: “The contest was originally inspired by a Brazilian soccer competition on the Wirral some years ago, although that event was actually held on sand especially transported for the occasion to one of the grassed areas just behind the promenade.

“We felt that to be true to the spirit of the original idea, we should play on the beach itself. Everyone, who has participated or watched the competition over the past nine years, has enjoyed themselves immensely. And, as a local League, we are very happy to be able to assist in the continuing regeneration of the area.”

ENTRY Nationwide entries are being accepted priced £25 per team and £30 for teams that are not affiliated to a county FA. Eight players per team. Further details from League Secretary, Joe Rooney 0151 606 9935/ www.bwafl.co.uk