Siófok, dream resort by the Balaton Lake has been bolstering beach soccer for many years and the results have been amazing
The shores of Lake Balaton have long been a dream destination for tourists from all over the country and continent, but now the same banks are becoming a beach soccer haven. The largest city on the lake, which happens to be the largest lake in Central Europe, Siofok, has made huge strides for Hungarian beach soccer but also for European and global beach soccer.
Situated on the southern part of the lake, Siófok is a hub of commerce and tourism. The city is often referred to as “The Capital of Balaton” and with all of the activity, it is a more than appropriate name. The most populous part of the region also has a renowned nightlife that people from all over the world come to experience. The prime location of the city in the Somogy region lends itself to a perfect beach soccer summer climate as well, earning itself another nickname, “The Summer Capital of Hungary”. The influx of tourists that come every year make it one of the richest areas in the country and the ideal place for beach soccer.
2013 marked the first International beach soccer tournament held on Hungarian soil. The inaugural event was a resounding success and it did not hurt that the results were exciting and the participating teams were some of the worlds’ most exciting. Hungary, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and UAE all brought their specific brand of play to Siófok and in the end, the hosts, despite winning two of their three matches, lost to fellow two game winner, the United Arab Emirates on tiebreakers. Also in the mix for the first ever title was the Netherlands who won two of their three matches but were edged out for the Cup.
The debut event in Siófok was just the beginning, in June of this year the Hungarian Student Olympics took place for the 26th time; however this was the first year that this institution of sport in Hungary included beach soccer. The success and recognition of this event has only done good for the exposure and growth of the sport worldwide.
A strong national league, which sent their champion club, Goldwin Pluss Bodon FC, to the Euro Winners Cup 2014, is more evidence of Hungary’s love for and strength of beach soccer. Siófok is obviously no stranger to beach soccer and in a short amount of time it has been propelled to the main stage and with all of the recent success it is assured to stay.
