PANAMA CITY BEACH PLAYS HOST TO FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND
'SAND SPORTS FESTIVAL', OCT. 9 – 11 Featuring Beach Soccer Exhibitions, Tournament and Clinic

Beach Volleyball Clinics, Tips from the Pros and Competitions

FREE Excitement for Spectators All-Weekend Long

( Panama City Beach , Fla. )

"While the Sand Sports Festival is an inaugural event in Panama City Beach , we see this destination as one of great promise for future beach soccer events and competitive play," stated Jeff Sundy, Tournament Director, Copa Cabana Beach Soccer and President, U.S. Beach Soccer Federation. "We are excited to launch this exhibition event and clinic and look forward to future partnerships within the local Panama City Beach community."

There will be three action-packed days of exhibitions, clinics, prizes, games and tips from professional beach soccer and beach volleyball players including Albert Hanneman, AVP Professional Volleyball Player & founder of Volleyball Vacations.

" Panama City Beach offers the perfect venue for emerging beach sand sports such as beach soccer & beach volleyball," remarked Richard Sanders, Vice-President of Sports Marketing , Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We encourage spectators to come enjoy the excitement and athleticism while spending a day on the beach."

"Soccer on the sand started in Brazil more than 30 years ago," added Janice Reese, PCB Sand Sports, "Since then, beach soccer has grown into a world-wide phenomenon with thousands of professionals, amateur and recreational players. We are delighted to introduce the sport in Panama City Beach and look forward to growing the awareness and future participation in all beach sand sports."

Schedule of Events:

On Friday, Oct. 9, the event kicks off with a Beach Soccer Coaches Clinic with Ricardo Gomes, Director of Coaching for the United States Beach Soccer Federation. The clinic is executed in partnership with the Florida State Soccer Association and will offer a certificate of diploma upon completion. The clinic begins on Friday October 9th at 7:00 p.m. and has a $120.00 registration fee.

Also on Friday, Oct. 9 from 2 - 4 p.m. there is a Beach Volleyball Clinic with Albert Hannemann. The clinic is FREE to all players registered for the tournament and will be a "fun" way to get out on the beach and learn fundamentals and training techniques that the pros use to stay in top physical condition. To register for the beach volleyball event go to: http://secure1.webconnex.com/vbv_panama09. Volley ball Tournament participation includes: ~ Friday, Oct. 9 Clinic & After Party hosted by Sharky’s Tiki Hut Restaurant & Bar., Saturday, Oct. 10 Tournament & After Party and Sunday Championships.

Also on Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 10 - 11, members of the world champion beach soccer team will give spectators an opportunity to see the pros in action! During the tournament, five–on-five games are played by teams of no more than 10 members. Games have three 12 -minute periods with two minute breaks in between. There is also a Panama City Beach tournament which is open to teams of players of all levels of expertise. Event organizers expect the tournament to draw club teams and American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) teams as well as recreational players, members of the Panama City Beach Pirates along with the pros. Divisions for the competitions include: youth divisions by age from 8 to 18 and Men’s, Women’s and a Co-Ed Divisions. For more registration info visit: www.copacabanabeachsoccer.com

In addition to the exhibition & tournament, spectators will enjoy music and entertainment including ball skills and juggling exhibitions.

Action starts at 8:30a.m / Saturday and 9:30 a.m / Sunday. Classes will be provided free of charge by Beach Soccer Promotions and are for players of all skill levels.

For more event information or to register for the Beach Soccer Coaches Clinic scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9. contact Ricardo Gomes,Director of Coaching, US Beach Soccer Foundation at (954) 549-7000