The Wight Wave Beach Fest 2024, held from July 26th to 28th at Appley Beach, Ryde, was a resounding success. This vibrant three-day event brought together sports enthusiasts and families for a weekend filled with exciting activities, including beach volleyball, beach soccer, netball, and tennis.
Community Spirit and FORZA Sponsorship
The success of the event was bolstered by the sponsorship of FORZA, who again supported the event by providing resources and enhancing the overall festival experience.
The weekend began with The Big Beach Clean, an initiative where members of Ryde Town Council, Provision Events, Wight Wave Beach Sports, and FORZA joined forces to clean up the beach. This effort set a positive tone for the festival, emphasising a strong commitment to sustainability and community involvement right from the start.
Event Successes
With hundreds of competitors and enthusiastic spectators, the festival showcased the best of beach sports in the UK. The festival’s family-friendly atmosphere and the diverse range of activities ensured that there was something for everyone, from serious athletes to casual beachgoers.
Attendance levels for the event reached new heights, with over 2,500 participants from under-7s to the adult categories. Each year, the passion, talent, and quality of play soars higher, with 2024 being no exception.
New FORZA Beach Soccer Icon Ball
A standout feature of the festival was the introduction of the new FORZA Beach Soccer Icon Ball. This innovation addition captivated both participants and spectators, enhancing the competitive edge and excitement of the beach soccer matches. The Icon ball performed admirably, drawing praise for its design and functionality, and is to become a staple in future beach soccer events.
“The introduction of the new FORZA Icon Beach Soccer Ball across all age groups was a game-changer; it’s versatility in sizes 3, 4, and 5 has been praised by all teams as the best yet. Over three exhilarating days, more than 300 games were played, culminating in over 1,200 goals scored, and the Icon Ball’s performance remained impeccable to the very last kick.”
Luke Kerr, Executive Director of England Beach Soccer
Proud Partnership with England Beach Soccer
FORZA continues to be proud of it’s partnership with the England Beach Soccer (EBS) community. The multi-year collaboration underscores our dedication to fostering growth of beach sports in the UK and beyond. We believe in the transformative power of sports to bring communities together and promote healthy, active lifestyles.
Growth of Beach Sports in the UK
The success of the Wight Wave Beach Fest reflects the growing popularity of beach sports in the UK. Events like these play a crucial role in elevating the profile of beach sports and inspiring the next generation of athletes. The increasing participation and enthusiasm signal a bright future for sports in the region.
“The sport’s growth is gaining unstoppable momentum, with increasing numbers embracing the game. Partnerships with county FA’s like Cornwall, set against their idyllic beach backdrops, are invaluable as we continue to structure the sport within the FA’s guidelines, framework, and governance.”
Luke Kerr, Executive Director of England Beach Soccer
International Ambitions
Looking ahead, FORZA is committed to increasing its involvement in international beach sports competitions. We are pledging support for local teams, such as sponsoring the Isle of Wight shirts, to ensure they are well-represented on the global stage. Our goal is to see UK athletes excel internationally, bringing home victories and inspiring pride in our sporting communities.
2025
We are already looking forward to next year’s Wight Wave Beach Fest, eager to witness the continuous growth of this dynamic event. The success of this year’s festival has set a high benchmark, and we are excited to see even more participants, innovative activities, and stronger community engagement. As beach sports continue to flourish in the UK, we are committed to supporting this vibrant celebration of athleticism and community spirit, anticipating another incredible year of fun and competition.
For more details and a recap of the event, visit the the Wight Wave Beach Fest website here.
By: Lois Jones