Growing up playing soccer in a city right on the ocean, the idea seemed like a natural fit for Gloucester's Mike Torres.
But last summer, the idea to form a beach soccer tournament was still just an idea for the 2006 Gloucester High graduate. One year later, Torres, a student at Northeastern University, hasn't strayed away from his goal of starting a beach soccer tournament in his hometown. But now the idea has become reality.
On June 19 at Good Harbor Beach, the New England Beach Soccer Cup (NEBSC) will take place. Torres, along with his friend and fellow Gloucester native, Giuseppe LaRocca, are the creators of the tournament. The two friends played soccer together at GHS, with LaRocca a year behind, graduating in 2007. LaRocca recently finished up his junior year at Saint Anselm College, where he plays midfield and defense for the Hawks.
"We dreamed the idea up last summer, and we've been really into beach soccer ever since we started watching it on TV in 2006," said the 22-year-old Torres. "I've been to big Portuguese beach soccer tournaments, and I really enjoy it.
"It was tough to plan it while I was at school, but I kind of resurrected it in April and got through the planning obstacles."
The format of the tournament will be 5-on-5 soccer on a 30x40-yard field, making for a fast-paced game with plenty of scoring. There is a roster limit of 10 players per team, and cost to enter a team is $300. The tournament is solely competitive Men's Open (ages 18-40), but players who are a few years younger or older should not present a problem. Players who can not form a team but would still like to play are encouraged to visit www.nebeachsoccer.com and register as free-agents. Teams can register until June 5.
New England Beach Soccer is also committed to giving back to the local community. This year, a portion of money earned during the tournament will be donated to the Duarte Medina Scholarship Fund, which rewards two deserving applicants graduating from Gloucester High School/North Shore area who played soccer for their high school team and demonstrates financial need to an institute of higher learning.
"We've received a lot of interest in Gloucester and outside of Gloucester," said Torres. "I've gotten calls from a couple of teams from New Hampshire and from Waltham and Framingham. I think for now 8-12 teams will be optimum. Next year we're hoping to expand."
The NEBSC will kick-off at 9 a.m. on June 19 with each team playing at least three games before a second round and finals. Prizes will be awarded to the tournament's winning team, top scorer and most valuable player.
Material from a press release was used in this report.
