Soccer in the Sand

Last updated

Soccer in the Sand
Sport Beach soccer
Founded2006
Founder Chris Lemay
No. of teamsVaries by event
CountryUnited States
Official website https://www.soccerinthesand.com/

Soccer in the Sand is a series of beach soccer tournaments held at various beach locations in the United States. Founded in 2006 by Chris Lemay, the series emphasizes growing participation in beach soccer while supporting local communities through donations and partnerships with youth soccer clubs. [1] [2]

Contents

Tournaments typically feature small-sided games (usually 5v5 including goalkeepers), age- and gender-based divisions, skills clinics, and family-friendly beach activities. The series has donated over $280,000 to local organizations and hosted free clinics for thousands of participants. [3]

History

The series began in 2006 under founder Chris Lemay, who established Soccer in the Sand to promote beach soccer as an alternative to traditional grass-field play. [4] [5]

Locations

Tournaments are held at beach venues across multiple states, with events scheduled from spring through summer. As of 2026, confirmed locations include:

[6] [7]

Earlier events have also taken place in locations such as Clearwater Beach, Florida; Cleveland, Ohio; and others, though the series has consolidated over time. [8]

Format

Tournaments are one- or two-day events with teams of up to 11 players (12 for coed), divided by age (based on the oldest player's birthdate) and gender. Females may play in male divisions, but males are restricted to male divisions. [9]

Games are typically 5v5 (including goalkeeper), though some variations exist. Two-day events feature three 11-minute periods with short breaks; one-day events use two 12-minute halves. Points are awarded as 3 for a win, 1 for a tie, and 0 for a loss, with tiebreakers including head-to-head results, goal differential, or shootouts. [10] [11]

Kickoffs are determined by coin toss or rock-paper-scissors. Each team is guaranteed at least three games in pool play, followed by playoffs for top teams. [12]

Many events include free skills clinics on the preceding Friday and community giveback initiatives. [13]

References

  1. ↑ "Beach Soccer Series". Soccer in the Sand. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Soccer in the Sand". Soccer in the Sand. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  3. ↑ "Beach Soccer Series". Soccer in the Sand. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Soccer in the Sand". Soccer in the Sand. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  5. ↑ Vandyke, Josh (June 30, 2013). "Soccer in the Sand Tournament draws record teams, large crowd to Grand Haven beach". MLive. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  6. ↑ "Beach Soccer Series". Soccer in the Sand. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Soccer in the Sand - Grand Haven Area". Visit Grand Haven. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Soccer in the Sand Bounces Back to Erie". E R I Jams Magazine. April 21, 2016. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  9. ↑ "How to Register for the Proper Age Group". Soccer in the Sand. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  10. ↑ "SOCCER IN THE SAND OFFICIAL 5v5 SAND SOCCER RULES". Soccer in the Sand. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Seaside, OR - Beach Soccer Tournament". Soccer in the Sand. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Kickoff to summer". Grand Haven Tribune. June 22, 2018. Retrieved March 28, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Beach Soccer Series". Soccer in the Sand. Retrieved January 24, 2026.
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