residents of rio de janeiro can been seen playing soccer in the streets, on the pitch, and in the sand - the passion for Brazilian soccer runs deep in the city and visitors will notice it to be a theme in local apparel, nights at the pub and general conversation - the sport is a key part of Brazilian identity.

informally, beach soccer has been played around the globe for years - no identifiable moment exists for when individuals started to play this activity. the sport varies from field soccer for a number of reasons - the style of play and players abilities are subject to the intensity of exercising in sand - with the sun and the ocean in the background the  game is extremely entertaining to watch.

in 1992 a set of rules was written for a pilot, beach soccer event, in los angeles and the next summer the first official competition was organized.