Wednesday, July 10, 2013
CLEARWATER, Fla. – Major Beach Soccer’s Clearwater Beach qualifier runs Friday through Sunday, continuing a yearly tradition that began in 1991. The Clearwater Beach qualifier is one of three tournaments in Florida that enables teams to qualify for the MBS National Championship, which is also held in Clearwater.
This year’s edition of MBS Clearwater will include 74 teams and feature age divisions from U10 to U18 boys and girls, Men and Women’s Open, and Co-Ed Open. Clearwater Beach is considered the flagship tournament of MBS, and the gorgeous sand and warm gulf waters promise a great display of beach soccer.
Of the 74 teams to feature at this year’s event, 22 will fight it out in the Co-ed Open division. MBS Director Peter Mellor is thrilled about the number of attendees.
“I think it’s great to see men and women playing together. It’s just such a great way to kick back with your friends or co-workers or family,” Mellor said. “Sun, surf, soccer. What more could you ask for? The perfect weekend getaway with a soccer flavor.”
Games are played in three 10-minute periods with a 5v5 format. Rosters are no more than 10 players and the game is officiated under the FIFA Beach Soccer guidelines. Players are required to be either barefoot or in socks; no shoes are allowed. Games are typically high scoring and feature a number of exciting rule changes from the grass version to promote nonstop action.
Clearwater will feature six fields of action for the weekend and games from sunrise to sunset adjacent to the famous Pier 60. Clearwater is home to more than just a beach. The surrounding area hosts many other options for families, ranging from dolphin tours to sunset cruises to a thriving nightlife.
There are two ways for a team to qualify for the MBS National Championship in December. Any team that wins its division at an MBS tournament is given an automatic berth to the finals. There is also a point qualification system in which teams can accrue points for participating in each qualifying tournament.
“There’s always a good number of teams returning from last year or coming across the state from the last tournament in Daytona,” Mellor said. “Some of them come just for fun and others come dead set on winning and getting a spot in the finals. I’m excited to welcome back all of the returning teams and we even have some friends coming back from Pennsylvania.”
While registration for this year’s Clearwater tournament is closed, spots are still available for the final tournament of the year at Fort Myers Beach July 26-27. To secure your place on the sand please visit www.majorbeachsoccer.com.
MBS Clearwater Beach is presented in conjunction with Nike, The St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission, Saint Leo University, Shephard’s Beach Resort, and Farpost Soccer Company.