Brazilian Beach Soccer Is Gaining Popularity Among Women – Artinha, Brazil’s version of beach soccer, has traditionally been a male-dominated sport. However, like soccer in general, it is becoming increasingly popular among women as clubs specializing in developing women’s skills have sprung up. “Artinha” has been a staple of Rio de Janeiro’s famous Ipanema Beach for decades.
Brazilian Beach Soccer Is Gaining Popularity Among Women
oragoo – But the past two years have seen a major shift, especially with people returning to beaches that were previously closed due to the pandemic. More and more women are now taking up the previously male-dominated sport. Catarina Michel plays “artiña” (a typical Brazilian soccer game) on Arpoador Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, May 15, 2021.
“Artiña” is basically a game where you try to make the ball fly in the air, and you can try it with any part of your body except your hands.
Players stand in a circle and throw the ball to each other. If you can’t move your feet or head, you can use your shoulders, knees and back to move. Unlike a few years ago, many Artiña clubs now accept female members. Local coaches claim that the percentage of women in these clubs is around 60 percent. Rio de Janeiro itself has around 20 Artiña clubs.
Read Also : Konsep Hidup Orang Jepang Untuk Kehidupan Yang Lebih Baik
Brazilian beach soccer is becoming more popular among women
Among the many women taking part is schoolgirl Gabriela Ferreira. “A lot of my friends come to the beach and want to learn to play, or want to join a club that has a coach. “It’s become a common thing,” she explains.
Leme Beach, another part of Copacabana Beach, is home to an all-women “altinha” club. The club, called Empoderalta, was founded in 2021 by physical education teacher Lorena Bituchel.
“The fact that there are no men here is a positive thing. Our members are more productive.” “Women feel more comfortable being themselves, facing challenges, making mistakes and trying again,” she explains.
Read Also : Big Bets on the Biggest Games
Members describe the club as a self-help group where people can not only play together but also help each other.
Another club on Copacabana Beach takes a different approach. The Russo Falcan Club deliberately mixes male and female members. The club is named after its founder and head coach Russo Falcan. “The majority of our members here are women. The demand for these courses is huge to develop skills and confidence in playing. The growing interest in the sport among women is incredible,” he said.
Beachgoers play “artiña” on the shore of Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, July 13, 2015. Artinha is a Brazilian beach soccer ball. In this game, you keep the ball in the air by passing it to another player. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Beachgoers play “artiña” on the shore of Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, July 13, 2015. Artinha is a Brazilian beach soccer ball. In this game, you keep the ball in the air by passing it to another player.
Larissa Biorchini, a cardiologist in the hospital’s emergency room, said exercise is a great way to relieve stress and work pressure. She plays “Artiña” in Copacabana three times a week.