Soccer takes over Siesta Key Beach

SIESTA KEY — Soccer players around Florida got to enjoy a different venue over the weekend at Visit Sarasota County's newest annual sports tournament.

Beach Blitz Soccer Resort hosted 400 players comprised of 40 teams from around Florida on the white sands of Siesta Key Beach, debuting its presence in Sarasota County for the first time Saturday.

Niall Swan, Beach Blitz founder, said the traveling beach soccer tournament was created to celebrate the joy and experience of soccer while keeping it affordable, garnering a national following since its inception in 2002.

Swan decided to build a kid's sports beach tournaments in 2009 after finding the world of youth soccer pressurized and competitive.

"I know from having my own kids is that they love soccer, but they don't necessarily like playing youth soccer because it's there's too much yelling and anger and shouting," Swan said. "So for me, this was a great way to do a youth event and have it be a little more joyful, a little more happy."

To make sure matches remain competitive, but still fun, Swan said he hires referees that understand the organization's mission and reminds coaches about calmer game etiquette.

Players are also encouraged to find freedom in playing soccer on the beach with new and old friends.

Dave Swearing, a soccer player at North Port High School, said he joined the tournament to play with his teammates, a group Swearing said has played soccer together since they were five years old.

"We came here, because we're dedicated and we love playing soccer," Swearing said. "And we just love to take it out onto the beaches."

Beach Blitz Soccer not only offers a stress-free environment, but a financially accessible one, too.

With traditional soccer fees costing upwards to $3,000 a year, Swan said Beach Blitz Soccer keeps prices as low as $8 a game so more interested players can participate.

Enrique Coletti, assistant coach for FC Sarasota's community youth girl's team Strike, said the beach tournament helps his players stay active throughout the off season and practice team-building skills.

"We believe in keeping the girls active and just community like friendship building with each other and competition," Coletti said.

Abi and Ivey, Strike teammates who became best friends after meeting one another four years ago, said the beach tournament was just a great excuse to hang out.

"It's just more enjoyable," Abi said. "It's fun to play with some of your best friends."

Swan said he hopes the traveling tournament gains enough traction for a second year and a possible winter event, where more kids and adults can enjoy a sport year-round without the pressure of winning.

"That's why when teams come out here, we tell them you know, this isn't about getting a trophy at the end," Swan said. "It's about the experience of being at the beach and being playful and it gives the kids that experience of soccer as it should be."