Beach soccer makes big return in Barbados

After a long period of dormancy, beach soccer made a vibrant return to Barbados last Sunday with the launch of the inaugural Barbados Beach Soccer Championship.

Hosted by the Sports Development Unit under the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, the highly anticipated competition kicked off at Brighton Beach and will run from October 5 to November 16.

The championship promises non-stop weekend action across Brighton, Brandons, and Browne’s Beaches, featuring 28 teams battling for over $20 000 in prizes – including a grand $10 000 cash prize for the champions.

Sunday’s opening day did not disappoint, treating fans to six thrilling matches filled with goals, skill, and sand-flying intensity. The Sundown Ballers delivered one of the most dominant performances of the day with a resounding 9-2 victory over Trident Spurs.

Eric Joseph and Duan Best both netted braces, while Clairmonte Callender and Jayden Mayers each added to the tally. Despite efforts from Spurs’ Natari Boyce and Akeem Ashby, the Ballers proved unstoppable.

Equally impressive were the Beach Blitzers, who stormed past Island Fusion 7-3 in another one sided clash. Rashad Smith was the star of the match, scoring four goals, while teammates Rasheed Philips, Jabari Ellis, and Kaheem Layne added to the scoreboard. Fusion’s Shamar Crichlow bagged a brace, and Dalante Boyce chipped in one, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Blitzers’ momentum.

The Sunset Chasers also dazzled spectators, defeating Soca Stormers 6-2, thanks to a hat-trick from Ozim Henderson and a double from Tzan Philips. In another dominant showing, Full Volley blasted past Crop Over Kings 6-1, with Rasheed Mayers and Shakir Coggins both accounting for a brace while Zario Small and Akeem Dash added a goal each.

Meanwhile, the Tiki Tacklers and Bajan Heat produced one of the most tightly contested matches of the day, drawing 3-3 in regulation time before the Tacklers held their nerve to win 3-2 on penalties.

(AS)