Hall of Fame - Jamie ORourke

Ryde, Isle of Wight

Beach Soccer Team(s): Cloud 9 BSC, Sandown Sociedad BSC, Shanklin Sharks BSC, London Knights BSC

1.When did you first start playing beach soccer?
I played my first game of Beach Soccer in the summer of 2003 at Small Hope Beach in Shanklin on the IOW, but I started playing regularly in the League in 2004.


2.Who is your favourite beach soccer player?
Madjer of Portugal. He has everything, speed, power, skill and fitness.

3.Where’s the best place you have played beach soccer?
I find it hard to choose between Marseille in France and Durban in South Africa, both memorable.

4.Who has been your biggest influence in beach soccer?
In such a new up and coming sport in this country its hard to think of someone who's been an influence for me but as I've required a great deal of self motivation I would have to say myself.

5.What’s the most important attribute a player needs to play beach soccer on the International stage?
There are many attributes needed to play Beach Soccer on the International stage but the most important one is dedication.

6.What is your favourite beach soccer memory to date?
My favourite Beach Soccer memory to date is the game against France in Marseille in 2006. I scored 2 goals and we narrowly lost 8-6 to the then World Cup holders. I've never felt so proud of myself and my team mates.

7.How would you describe the game of beach soccer?
Beach Soccer is everything we love about football, speed, skill and goals all condensed into 36 minutes with the added challenge of mastering the sand.

8.What’s the best beach soccer goal you’ve seen scored?
The best goal I've seen scored was GC's overhead kick against Holland in Athens in 2006. He was wide on the right and it went right in the top corner. Sorry Mitch Day Your goal against Portugal was pretty good too!

9.What do you think England needs to become a world force?
I think we need to establish a National Beach Soccer League/Competition in order to benefit from talent from all over the country. Also a indoor beach facility for all year round play/training would go a long way to help us improve as a Beach Soccer Nation.

10.In one word describe our beautiful game?
Addictive!