Major Beach Soccer News Release – www.majorbeachsoccer.com
Saturday, July 14, 2012
CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. -- Saturday marked the midpoint of the Major Beach Soccer Clearwater event. On another perfect day with moments of cloud cover to cool off players and spectators alike, the second day of the three-day tournament drew the weekend beach traffic to the six fields along Pier 60.
Two extra fields were added to Friday’s four for the adult teams that opened play on Saturday, including the Peace Passers, last year’s MBS women’s champions. The Peace Passers won both of their games and met with National Technical Director Peter Mellor, who will coach the team that will represent the U.S. at 2012 Beach Soccer Montreal.
The Liquid Ranch Chargers won the U12 championship in a close contest on the youth field. The younger age groups have been a nice surprise for onlookers, with the youngsters showing the exuberance one would expect from kids.
The most intriguing story of the day came from the young age group. The Auburndale Scream, filled with eight- and nine-year-olds, played up in the 11-12 age group. The team put in a few great performances, but ultimately lost out on a championship. The team, however, was recognized by Peter Mellor for their time in the tournament.
“Their attitude and willingness to play, no matter the opponent, was something special,” he said. “This will help them in the future to become better soccer players and better people.”
Francis Farberoff of the US National Beach Soccer Team also took part in the festivities on Saturday, as part of the Florida Beach Soccer FC team. Farberoff and his teammates won the 2011 MBS men’s championship in Clearwater last December.
GRODYSH International and the Future of Haiti Orphanage had a booth set up on site, as well. The foundation helps those devastated in Haiti and was also helped by USL last month. USL donated over 150 used Umbro soccer balls, more than 400 new USL T-shirts, and other equipment to help with the creation of a soccer competition between orphanages in Haiti.
Sunday’s schedule includes 10 finals as teams look to qualify for the MBS National Championship in December. Good competition will be on display from the younger age groups to the adult teams, and the crowds are bound to be bigger as the champion field hosts the most important games of the weekend.