OVER three days, there were beach sports aplenty at Appley with the return of popular Isle of Wight annual event, the Wight Wave Beach Fest.
There was football at the top of the tree, as has been the tradition for many years, but there was bags of fun for people of all ages in Ryde, with sports including beach volleyball, tennis and netball.
Wight Wave was also home to a soccer skills zone, a beach bar and barbecue. There was also a beach clean up session on the opening day.
But beach soccer was very much at the forefront of this year's Wight Wave.
Brodie's Bulldogs U13 boys' champions. (Image: Embracing Unique)
The 2024 England Beach Soccer Youth Championships — the country’s biggest of its kind — is "a celebration of young footballing talent on the sand".
Appley beach was transformed into "a vibrant arena of youthful exuberance and competitive spirit", one organiser said.
The championships, held over three days, showcased budding future stars of beach soccer.
More than 160 teams competed across 13 age-specific categories — a testament to the sport’s growing popularity.
The event was delivered by the England Beach Soccer Association, with Ryde Town Council a partner.
In the U7 mixed, Vectis won gold, with Brading triumphing in the plate, while Downside took the U8 event, and Vectis lifted the plate.
Newport U10s were crowned as champions (Image: Embracing Unique)
Vectis continued the winning streak in the U9s category, with Oakfield Merlins earning silver.
The U10 championships saw Newport Youth take gold.
There was a historic moment with the debut of the all-girls' U10 competition, which saw Ventnor shine brightest, while Newport won the plate
The U11 event was won by Ryde Saints Raptors. Shanklin’s U12 boys achieved back-to-back titles, while Ventnor girls U12s dazzled and Vectis claimed the plate.
Brodie's Bulldogs grabbed gold in the U13 category ,while Vectis Pink continued their dominance in the U14 boys’ category.
The U14 girls’ category saw Fareham dominate to take gold, with Ventnor triumphing in the plate final.
The U16 girls’ championship saw the Wight Eagles’ prowess, winning gold.
The Senior National Championship, saw the 24th edition of the Beach Soccer Super Cup — a thrilling spectacle.
Downside were U8 boys' champions (Image: Embracing Unique)
In the men’s event, Portsmouth dominated the group stages, with the Island's Cam O'Rourke showcasing his skills and development since playing in the Spanish La Liga this summer.
Portsmouth beat a resolute Ryde Sports 4-3 in the semi-finals, with WKR Santos overcoming Isle of Wight 5-2, to avenge last year’s final loss to the Islanders.
WKR Santos emerged as champions — beating Portsmouth on penalties, with Isle of Wight taking bronze.
The women’s event was won by South Coast Beach Soccer, after beating the Isle of Wight in a great final. Consistent Shanklin secured bronze again.
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