Sand Arena
next to the Stadium of Light
Sunderland
Tel: 0871 911 1973
The City of Sunderland is to host an international festival of beach soccer in a specially-built 2,000-seat sand arena next to the Stadium of Light.
The International Beach Soccer Cup will take place between July 30 and August 1, with England, Mexico, Germany and Greece competing.
Sunderland City Council and Sunderland AFC have teamed up with England Beach Soccer (EBS) to bring the tournament here.
Highlights will include an exciting rematch between England and Germany after last year's last-minute victory by England in the European League at Minehead and Sunderland Under 18s will take on a leading English beach soccer club.
John Hawkins, EBS chief executive, said: "We are delighted to be able bring Beach Soccer to the North East.
"We are sure once Sunderland sees Beach Soccer played first hand, it will fall in love with the sport. Beach soccer is fast-paced, full of action and goals and delivers a really fun day for the whole family.
"We are proud to be working closely with such a phenomenal Premier League powerhouse as Sunderland AFC, and to have the use of their superb facilities at the Stadium of Light."
Joan Cusco, president of Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW), said: "We are delighted that the EBS is taking the International Beach Soccer Cup to Sunderland for the first time."
As well as the sand arena, the Stadium of Light will also stage a Fan Park which will be open to the public with free admission. It will include a range of activities, rides and concessions.
Tickets for the International Tournament will be available through the SAFC ticket office during normal trading hours from 10am on July 6.