Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

RED STRIPE Light Beach Futbol will make an explosive return to the local scene next month with an increase in cash prizes and invitational appearances by inaugural Beach Soccer World Cup participants Argentina and the United States.

Following the success of the competition last year, Red Stripe has boosted its overall commitment, Red Stripe Light brand manager Gareth Geddes said at a press conference earlier this week at the Jamaica Football Federation headquarters in New Kingston.

"The inaugural staging of the competition was a tremendous success and this year we intend to top what was offered by increasing the prize money - among other significant improvements," Geddes said.

This year's winner will receive $275,000 - an increase of $115,000 while the runners-up will collect $100,000 and the losing semi-finalists $50,000 each.

All teams taking part will receive $25,000 - an increase of $5,000 per team.

ALL TEAMS WILL BE REWARDED

"No team will walk away empty-handed ... all participating teams will be rewarded," Geddes said. This year's event will also see an increase in the number of local clubs with 16 down to participate, including Red Stripe Champions Cup winners and Wray and Nephew Premier League semi-finalists Portmore United, runners-up and fellow semi-finalists Harbour View and last year's top-placed beach team Village United.

The local teams will be joined by defending champions Argentina and the U.S. who played in the first FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in Brazil in May. France were the winners of that competition.

"This tournament is a perfect opportunity for our local football professionals to showcase their talent with a view to participating in an international beach football tournament in the near future," Geddes said.

The competition, slated to run from July 3 through to 31, will see the preliminary rounds taking place at Hellshire Beach. The semi-finals and final will take place on July 30 and 31 at Long Bay Beach Park in Negril.