OFC Beach Soccer and Futsal Development Officer Paul Toohey explains how the discipline is growing in the region
After attending his first FIFA Beach Soccer Instructors Course in Dubai in late 2014, Toohey is keen to see Oceania sides keep up with the rapidly developing sand-based sport, a difficult challenge given the increasing professionalism of the game.
“Dubai was a tremendous experience – to not only meet and learn from the world’s top Beach Soccer minds but also to attend the Samsung Intercontinental Beach Soccer Cup organised by Beach Soccer Worldwide. For me it was clear to see the continued and rapid evolution of beach soccer, both on and off the pitch,” Toohey explains.
“Through the work of Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW), the competitions calendar is expanding at both club and international level. And as an organisation BSWW, in partnership with FIFA are very focused on shaping the future of the sport. Not only are they actively promoting and growing beach soccer, they are anticipating large growth in both participation in and interest in the game,” he says.
Toohey says with more competitions, teams are working harder, resulting in increased professionalism in the game around the world.
“During the FIFA Instructor Course and the excellent BSWW Workshop, a recurring theme was the importance of preserving the natural, exciting qualities of the sport, particularly as the tactical level of beach soccer has improved markedly in recent times.” he says.
“The game is designed to be attractive, with players displaying high technical quality. An encouraging aspect of the week in Dubai was the desire of FIFA, BSWW, referees, instructors, coaches and players to work together to ensure these qualities do not get lost in the future.”
With their fourth-place finish in 2013, Tahiti’s Tiki Toa proved that Oceania can compete with the best of them. However Toohey says it will be tough to emulate that success should the side return to the world stage at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal this year.
“For sure it will be a big challenge for the Oceania representative in Portugal to emulate the success of Tiki Toa 2013. The fourth placed finish in itself was outstanding, but it is important to remember the beautiful style with which Tahiti played.”
“As in football, you need games, you need competition, so it will be tough. But certainly we have the players in this region who can light up the pitch. If the team representing Oceania can display the aerial quality we saw from Tiki Toa in 2013 they will certainly excite the fans and make Oceania very proud once again.”
Beach soccer is certainly still growing a profile for itself in the Pacific despite Tahiti playing host to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2013.
Source: OFC site (oceaniafootball.com)
