International Beach Soccer Festival

Sunderland is to host the International Beach Soccer Cup on the 30th, 31st July and 1st August 2010 at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland City Council and Sunderland AFC have teamed up with England Beach Soccer (EBS) to bring International Beach Soccer to Sunderland for the first time. England, Mexico, Germany and Greece will compete over the three day event.

The tournament will also include an exciting rematch between England and Germany after last year's last minute victory by England in the European League at Minehead. On Saturday, Sunderland FC 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, everybody knows the passion for football there is in this part of the world. 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. Music, dancers and crowd participation during the matches make beach soccer a truly memorable experience. We are proud to be working closely with such a phenomenal Premiership powerhouse as Sunderland AFC, and to have the use of their superb facilities at the Stadium of Light.

"In order to stage this event, with the support of Sunderland City Council and Sunderland AFC, EBS will be building a temporary 2,000 capacity venue at the Stadium of Light."

President of Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW) Joan Cusco stated. "We are delighted that the EBS is taking the International Beach Soccer Cup to Sunderland for the first time.

"I am sure the fans will be thrilled to see some of the world's greatest beach soccer players in action. Importantly our partnership with Sunderland means spectators in the north east of England will be exposed to the drama and excitement of the sport first hand".

Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for Safer City and Culture, Councillor Denny Wilson, said: "Sunderland has a proud football and sporting tradition, so we're delighted the city has been chosen to host this fantastic international event. We look forward to welcoming teams from all over the world, to experience for themselves our excellent facilities and passion for sport. Hosting this tournament is further evidence of the city's commitment to attracting international events at the same time as promoting sporting excellence and participation in any way it can."

In addition to the high profile international competition, the Stadium of Light will host a range of community activities across the 3 days. Supported by Disney XD, it is anticipated that over 500 young people and 30 junior teams will be offered introductory coaching sessions as well as mini tournaments. In addition, local adult teams will be able to participate in Beach Soccer competitions.

As well as the sand arena, the Stadium of Light will also stage a Fan Park which will be open to the public over the 3 day event 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 6th July 2010 : Prices per day: £6 adult - £4 under 14s.

Ticket and match schedule information.