Oh Ah Cantona

Fans of former Manchester United Eric Cantona will have the chance to watch the maestro play in Bangkok at Pro Beach Soccer Bangkok 2001. He will captain the visiting French Team who is playing the Thai National Team lead by Piyapong Piew-on. It will be held at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani on Saturday May 12th. Tickets are priced Baht 200, 400, 600 & 800. For more information contact 717-0000 or fax 717-0377 Or check out their website www.probeachsoccer.net

So what is Pro Beach Soccer? It originated in the Italian community in the USA. Created to be played on the beach, is extremely active and provides excitement to players and spectators alike.

The hope is that Thailand will become the champions in this sport. It is really quite natural that they should, as the game is in essence the son of Takor, Thais are crazy about soccer and are at home playing ball games on the beach. The organizer want to develop Thailand as the hub for Pro Beach Soccer in Asia. They will prepare the national team to win in international meetings such as the Pro Beach Soccer World Championship. The ultimate goal is gold when the sport will be played for the first time at the 2008 Olympic Games.

The rules of the game are simple. The soft sand pitch measures 28 x 37 metres. Each team has five players including the goalkeeper. There are three periods of play each lasting 12 minutes. Unlimited substitutions are allowed. Any player shown a yellow card has to sit out for 3 minutes. Free kicks are always taken direct. Every game has a winner, no draws. If after the three periods of play the scores are equal, three minutes of overtime with the winner being the first to score. If it's still equall the winner is decided on penalty kicks.

The game is played in a carnival atmosphere with live music throughout. The spirit of the game is such that there should be a shot at goal very 30 seconds with a goal scored on average every 3.4 minutes. Ideally we will see 11 goals a game.

It's energetic, lively and sexy and is going to be a great spectator sport.