ABSTRACT
For many Australians, their abundant beach is a symbol of their culture and lifestyle, a marker of an egalitarian nature. Sport is regarded as a national obsession; there are a multitude of women's and men's professional national competitions and a significant proportion of investment per population capita. International sporting success is integral to Australian national identity. Yet in a country where recreational and professional sporting activities thrive, the story of beach soccer offers an anomaly. This chapter presents new insight on Australian beach soccer from key participants, including players, coaches, and event coordinators. It does so within the context of relevant football histories.
