SINGAPORE : The beach version of soccer is getting so popular that there is even a World Cup.
Singapore too is getting the ball rolling by organising its first international tournament at Sentosa in early December.
The sport kicked off in Brazil on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro and now it has spread far and wide.
NTUC Club is funding the Sentosa event and wants to popularise it among the young.
Hamidah Abdul Hamid, Senior Executive, Sports and Wellness, NTUC Club, said, "Beach soccer is a growing sport in Singapore, especially with the beach culture which is very much in demand by the youngsters. This is in line with our vision of actually capturing a younger audience for the labour movement and also to develop geniuses and talent within the sport itself ."
The Singapore team, which includes many ex-S.League players, was revealed to the media.
Regional teams taking part in the international tournament here will come from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
48 local teams will also compete for the domestic title.
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is hoping to score with beach soccer.
FAS has sanctioned the event and will provide technical support.
It feels that Singapore could have a national team for the sport.
John Koh, General Secretary, Football Association of Singapore, said, "Let's promote the game first, set-up the base, get people interested...then when there is sufficient organisation in terms of competitions and little leagues...then we can talk about entering strong teams for international competitions."
Competition aside, the sport has a very strong lifestyle element, which means that anyone can have a ball of a time . CNA/ms
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NTUC Club to stage international beach soccer event at Sentosa 
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