Beach soccer Appley style a hit with Isle of Wight youth

This year’s championships reflected the increasing popularity of girls’ football by introducing the first all girls’ events in the under-12 and under-14 categories.

Under-seven champions, Oakfield.  All photos: Laura Holme

The first in a series of youth events this season, 216 boys and girls took to the sand and 134 goals were scored over the two-day event at Appley.

In the under-sevens boys' event, Oakfield were the winners, with Bembridge runners-up, while Sandown beat Gurnard to the under-eight title.

Freddie Young of Sandown under-eights on the ball.

Vectis Youth were victorious in the under-nine section, with Downside Youth second.

The Island All-Stars were the under-ten champions, with Newport runners up.

U-14 girls' champions, Rew Valley.

Vectis Youth earned themselves a double with a win for the U-12 girls in their event, beating Brading Town to win the cup, while Rew Valley Youth's girls team won the U-14 girls' event.

Isle of Wight Beach Soccer's general manager, Luke Kerr, said: "The first event of the summer season has been fantastic and the positive feedback from parents, players and spectators has been greatly received.

"Over the past 12 months, we have put a lot of hard work into securing new equipment and our legal lease and licence.

Under-sevens action between Oakfield and Bembridge.

"We still have a lot of work to do in making Ryde a beach sports site of excellence, but we have taken big steps in the right direction.

Vectis Blues under-nines.  Photo: Mark Howarth

"The opportunities for growth are very exciting as we aim to bring new beach sports and activities to the Island.

"Special thanks should go to Ryde Town Council for supporting the girls' development strategy and to Island Roads for helping fund our new goals."