© lff.lt
Although beach soccer in Lithuania is still taking its first steps, over the past few years it can boast having excellently equipped beach soccer fields in Prienai and Kupiškis, and soon it will be able to boast the most modern field in Ignalina. "We agreed with the city government that Ignalina will have a beach soccer field that meets FIFA standards. This year we are planning to install stands, and next year - a permanent 500-seat stand. In addition, the field will have lighting, which will allow us to organize the first night beach soccer tournament. I think this idea could be implemented next year," said Vidmantas Butkevičius, president of the Lithuanian Futsal Association responsible for beach soccer. The idea for the field was conceived last year. The mayor of Ignalina district, Justas Rasikas, turned to the Lithuanian Football Federation and soon received a positive response. After several visits by representatives of the LFF to the lakeside, final points were laid out. The coronavirus has slightly shifted these points to a later time, but by mid-July the field should already be operational. "We see ourselves as an active tourism region, so beach soccer is interesting to us. Of course, there was much we didn't know about this type of soccer, but now we know what is needed and how much is needed (smiling). Another thing is that it is very easy to work when both sides show interest. The LFF helps us in every way, and having implemented this idea, we will have more competitions in the region and, at the same time, more entertainment," said J. Rasikas. It is a coincidence that after opening the fields, Kupiškis and Prienai soon formed their own beach soccer teams. It seems that Ignalina will not be an exception. "Why make something if we can't use it ourselves? The vision is that the teams would be formed as soon as possible. We have strong futsal girls' teams, it's time to show for men as well. If there is an opportunity, I don't see the point of having an empty space," commented the mayor of Ignalina district. Thinking about the future, the Lithuanian Futsal Association has already planned a tournament for next year, where guests from Latvia, Belarus, and Ukraine could compete. The recreational zone with the field is perfectly suited for such tournaments. "Let's not forget that almost all winter sports are based in Ignalina, which means that staying in this city is an ideal place. There is a pool, a hall, an artificial field... These things are a center of attraction. Again, both sides win: the city takes a step forward, and for our national team - a great place to improve. In addition, UEFA recommends playing beach soccer in recreational areas. This point will also be implemented excellently," explained V. Butkevičius. According to the plan, one of the stages will be held in Ignalina this year. The exact dates will depend on how successful we are in fighting the coronavirus.
