Beach football goes to Negombo

Bernard PERERA

The second Annual Beach Football Tournament 2009 is scheduled for February 28 and March 1 at Negombo beach commencing 9.00 a.m. The second day's program commences at 3.00 p.m., said R.M.V. Mahindapala addressing the media on Friday at Football House.

Chrysantha Perera addressing the gathering to brief on the event said that last year's tournament was held in Kalutara which was sponsored by Ran FM, a highly successful one and this prompted us to take the event to another venue to attract more spectators. And also to get more participation in future tourneys. The organisers of Football Federation and the sponsors agreed to invite eight leading club teams and the same number of teams from the schools.

The organisers also decided to play the matches under lights to bring the carnival atmosphere to the event which also attracts more spectators. This is sure to educate the fans about beach football and they will join the sport more and more in the future.

The teams participating are: Clubs: Ratnam SC, Renown SC, Old Bens SC, Negombo Youth SC, Jupitors SC, Don Bosco SC and New Youngs SC.

Schools: St. Benedict's College, Hameed Al Husseini College, De Mazenod College, Maris Stella College, St. Mary's College, Al Hilal College, and Joseph Vaz College.

The winners in the club section will receive the Ran FM Cup and a cash award of Rs. 50,000 while the champs in the schools segment will be awarded the Ran FM Cup and soccer materials to the value of Rs. 50,000.