Kicking back in Antibes

This relatively new sport combines the skills and techniques of football with aspects of beach volleyball. Unsurprisingly it was created on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach in 1965 by Octavio de Moraes. Brazil has long been known for their love of beach sports and prowess in games such as beach volleyball, as well as producing top class football players, so a hybrid of the two was inevitable.

In more recent years the sport has grown in popularity, attracting professional football players for promotional events and celebrity matches, including Brazilian players Romário, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho Gaúcho.

Essentially footvolley is beach volleyball except that players are not allowed to use their hands, instead they must their feet. Points are awarded if the ball hits the ground in the opponents court. Generally, matches are one set up to 18 points or the best of three sets to 15 points. The height of the net may vary depending on the competition and varies between men's and women's competitions.

This weekend will see some of the top teams competing in Antibes in a global footvolley tournament that is sure to entertain and to inspire. The guest of honor will be the French football team's coach, Didier Deschamps and ex-goalie Sebastien Frey will be showing his skills over the net. There will also be plenty of additional entertainment and family activities to enjoy so if you are in Antibes then a trip to Plage du Ponteil should be on your agenda.