On a typical summer weekend on local beaches, it’s a common sight to see balls flying in mid-air from a large group of athletes surrounded by netting and pop-up awnings. In most instances, the event is a beach volleyball tournament. But last weekend, those riding, skating and dog-walking on The Strand did a double take as they passed on the north side of the Hermosa Beach Pier.
What they witnessed was the rising sport of beach soccer as Copa Cabana Beach Soccer set up six fields for its 8th of 10 tournaments slated during the year.
Fifty one teams in 11 divisions competed in the two-day competition which included exhibition games with international players. The tournament was highlighted by a thrilling match between the Brazilian Copa Cabana team and the U.S. National Under-19 team where the youngsters pulled off a 3-2 victory in a highly contested game.
Based inSanta Monica, Copa Cabana is in its fifth year under the leadership of former professional soccer players Jeff Sundy and Christiaan Wagener. Sundy enjoyed a pro career in South Africa and Wagner competed in Europe leagues.
“We know the value of educating kids in sports,” Wagener said. “If you can keep a kid actively involved in sports until he or she is 16 years old, that’s pretty good. Our goal is to bring in kids and teach them what we know. It’s a scouting process as well as a growing process. Hopefully, we can groom some kids to play for the U.S. National team and make a good showing.”
Copa Cabana came to Hermosa Beach upon the urging from the owners of Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ which has catered Copa Cabana events for five years.
“They suggested we come to Hermosa Beach so we worked things out with the city and it has turned out well,” Wagener said. “It’s a beautiful place to play. This is the deepest sand we’ve played on. In Long Beach, we had to have extra sand trucked in. Playing here in Hermosa is much more tiring, probably the most of anywhere I’ve played and I’ve played on beaches all around the world. We like it because the deeper the sand, the fewer the injuries. The deep sand slows you down and is less stressful on your back.”
Wagener said he and Sundy are excited about the increased popularity of beach soccer but cautious about the growth of Copa Cabana.
“Unlike other organizations, we don’t have big name sponsors, or bring in professional coaches and have a tour,” Wagener explained. “That’s not the way to really create a grassroots program. Many teams follow us around and play in the various tournaments. Each year we’re getting new teams so it’s growing tremendously. We’re half sold out by the beginning of the season. But we have to be careful not to expand too quickly. It took us three years to get the referees properly trained for beach soccer. Now we actually give out FIFA certifications in beach soccer to our referees.”
Wagener said that most of the beach soccer players also play competitively on a turf soccer team and that AYSO – one of the largest youth soccer organizations – has discovered Copa Cabana and asked if they would hold a big tournament for AYSO at Zuma Beach next year.
“AYSO has been supportive of us but there was a problem with their bylaws and regulations where players had to wear shin guards and other protective equipment,” Wagener said. “But AYSO officials have modified their bylaws so their players can now compete in beach soccer.”
The final rounds of competition on Sunday drew large crowds and included teams from throughout the Los Angeles area.
In a battle between Real Madrid teams, the Red squad defeated the Blue 3-0 to win the Boys U11/12 division. In the U14/15 competition, Semper Fi routed the Exile Reds 11-1.
The Express captured the Boys U17/18 division with a 4-3 victory over Copa Cabana and in the Coed finals; Offsides Again edged the Big Dogs 3-2.
In girls competition, Exiles White held off Pali Girlz 4-3 in the U11/12 division and Lynwood B defeated Canyon Crew 7-2 to win the U15/16 age group.
In the U9 division, the Lions had little trouble beating the Aquamarines 11-1 and in the U10 divisions, the Sand Crabs defeated WCS Academy LSA 7-2.
The Strikers B team edged the Pumas 4-3 to win the Girls U14 divisions and in the U19 competition, Damnref shut out Offsides 3-0.
Beach Soccer began more than 30 years ago on the sands of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1992, rules were instilled and a pilot event held by the founding partners of Beach Soccer World Wide (BSWW) inLos Angeles. The first professional beach soccer tournament featuring teams from the USA, Brazil, Argentina and Italy was held the following year at Miami Beach, Fla.
The BSWW now includes the Beach Soccer World Cup and a worldwide series of pro Beach Soccer events held all over the world. Those involved in the sport are striving for Beach Soccer to become an official event in the Olympic Games. ER
