The 23rd edition of the Serie A Q8 Beach Soccer championship was officially presented at the prestigious Esperienza Europa 'David Sassoli' in Rome, setting the stage for a summer coastal spectacle. With the participation of Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (LND) President Giancarlo Abete, Beach Soccer coordinator Roberto Desini, and Q8 Retail & Marketing Director Fabio Curtacci, the event unveiled a packed calendar that will crisscross Italy's most stunning beaches from late May to early August.
For over two decades, this league has established itself as the globe's longest-running and most competitive official beach soccer championship. What began as a niche summer pastime has matured into a well-organized discipline that harmonizes elite sport with tourism and territorial promotion. As Abete noted, the sport now carries significant social weight, fostering wellbeing, aggregation, and activity during the holiday months when many Italians seek outdoor leisure.
Abete emphasized that beach soccer is no longer a novelty but a 'mature discipline' with a robust international dimension. 'It has consolidated over time, combining technical and competitive value with the promotion of the hosting territories,' he said, pointing to the growing involvement of local administrations that have helped the league gain solidity and credibility. The partnership with Q8, now in its second year as title sponsor, was singled out as a key pillar of this stability.
Fabio Curtacci of Q8 reinforced the company's commitment, stating that the collaboration goes beyond a mere marketing exercise. 'We believe in the beauty of Italy and the value of the locations where this sport is played,' he said. 'Two years ago, when Q8 celebrated 40 years in Italy, we chose to embark on a path rooted in community responsibility. This partnership reflects shared values: the sea, the sand, the sun—elements that also echo our logo—and the dynamic energy that beach soccer brings to Italian summers.' He hinted at evolving projects to further strengthen ties with local communities.
The 2026 calendar maps out a six-stage journey: the action kicks off in Castelsardo, Sardinia, from May 30 to June 2 with the Poule Scudetto and the men's Supercoppa final. It then moves to Terracina for the Under-20 tournament (June 10–14) and the Coppa Italia (June 17–21). Lignano Sabbiadoro will host the Poule Promozione and the women's Coppa Italia from June 25–28. Praia a Mare follows from July 3–12, featuring both men's poules and the Coppa Italia U20. Anzio takes over from July 17–25 with further men's pool matches and the women's Supercoppa. The grand finale—the Scudetto Finals—unfolds in Scoglitti, Sicily, from August 4 to 9.
Roberto Desini delved into the competitive structure, explaining that the division into two poules (Scudetto and Promozione) has paid dividends. 'The level has risen, and the technical depth of the squads has improved,' he noted. 'We see greater balance right up to the final matchdays, which translates into a more compelling spectacle. Our championship now attracts some of the world's best beach soccer players—a fact acknowledged by athletes and coaches alike.' The revamped format has created a continuous narrative of high stakes, with every team chasing a clear objective.
Desini highlighted the league's pioneering work in women's beach soccer. 'We were among the first in the world to believe in a women's championship, and we continue to invest with conviction,' he said. The Under-20 category, introduced six years ago, is now yielding concrete results: many Italian youngsters have become protagonists in their senior clubs and the national team. The regional Serie B is also fueling a broader base, and the proliferation of permanent beach soccer facilities represents a strategic investment that allows clubs to plan with greater continuity.
One of the most telling indicators of the sport's vitality is the surge in candidate locations vying to host league stages. Desini admitted that the demand was so high that not all applications could be honored—a positive sign that reinforces the movement's overall health. 'It means our work is bearing fruit,' he said, promising efforts to involve new sites in the future. This organic expansion underscores how beach soccer has become an attractive proposition for seaside resorts seeking to boost summer tourism and engagement.
The interplay between sport and territorial promotion is a central theme. Each stage is not just a competition but a multifaceted event that injects energy into local economies and creates a sense of community. The league's ability to draw crowds to iconic beaches—from Sardinia to Sicily—transforms these locations into vibrant arenas where fans and vacationers mingle. The dual focus on elite competition and grassroots development ensures that beach soccer remains accessible while pushing the boundaries of its sporting level.
As the 2026 season approaches, the League and its partners are already eyeing the horizon. The collaboration with Q8 is expected to evolve into more articulated projects that deepen the bond with territories. With a proven recipe that blends athletic excellence, tourist appeal, and social impact, Serie A Q8 Beach Soccer is poised to maintain its upward trajectory, potentially setting a model for other niche sports to follow. The countdown to Castelsardo has begun.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.
