16 Clubs to feature in Kingfisher Beach Football Challenge

Football action moves from the stadiums to the beaches and the ‘Good Times’ for football in Goa will continue with the Kingfisher Beach Football Challenge, 2011-12, scheduled to be played at Calangute Beach on February 9 and 10, 2012. The tournament will be played on a knockout basis under the ‘Beach Soccer Worldwide Rules’ recognized by FIFA. Teams comprising of 5 players each will be seen in a 12 minute face off. While pride and honor is going to be at stake, the challenge will also gratify the winning team by Rs.15,000/- and the runner’s up get to take home Rs.10,000/-.

The tournament will prove to be a visual treat - not only will prominent footballers from top clubs of Goa be seen in action, the game will be played under floodlights, live band, foot tapping music and more, will provide for a carnival like ambience.

This was announced by Rahul Rodrigues, Senior Manager, Relationship Management, Procam International, the promoters of the Goa Professional League, as another novel initiative to showcase the ‘King of Sports’. Also present was Bruno Coutinho (Former International), Govind Tiwari, Divisional Vice President, Kingfisher-UB Group and Lavino Rebello (Vice president, GFA).

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Govind Tiwari said, “Goans are very passionate about football and this is highlighted in how they come out in large numbers to support their favourite teams & players especially during the Kingfisher Pro League held each year in Goa. Kingfisher Premium supports this passion and is here to add a flavour of the ‘good times’ to an already exciting league which has some of the best teams & the best players that play across the state.”

Commenting on this partnership, Ajit Ravindran, Vice President, Procam International said, “The matches, played under lights are not only followed by the people of Goa because winning is a matter of pride to the club; but are also gaining huge popularity as a spectator sport. Kingfisher, the title sponsors ensure that the entire event has a carnival like atmosphere with live entertainment being an integral part of the event. Goa Pro League has enjoyed tremendous response and support from the sports loving populace of Goa and now we hope to make Beach Soccer bigger and better each year.”

Welcoming the sponsors and partner on board Shrinivas Dempo–President, of the Goa Football Association, said, “Beach football has got quiet popular in Goa and received a big boost when on two occasions, the entire Indian team consisted of players from Goa who represented the country at Asian beach championship at Dubai and Bali (Indonesia). It was a proud moment for Goa as the entire team was home grown players.”

Giving details on the Kingfisher Beach Football Challenge, Mr. Dempo said, the tournament will be played on a knockout basis under the ‘Beach Soccer Worldwide Rules’ recognized by FIFA. Duration of play will be two halves of 12 minutes each with a break of three minutes in between. There will be three minutes of extra time in case the scores are tied at the end of regulation time, followed by a tie-breaker and sudden death.

Each team will be allowed to register 12 players, though only 10 will be allowed to play at a time - five who will take the field and five as substitutes. The rules of the tournament permit unlimited substitutions.