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Six -A- Side

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Annual Thanksgiving Six-a-Side Festival

History

The club invited 12 teams to the original 1994 Festival, expecting four to accept. When everyone agreed to come, the format was changed to  six-a-side to accommodate the larger number. It’s continued that way every Thanksgiving since, drawing teams from the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, the Netherlands, Israel and Mexico.

Format

The Festival’s enduring popularity rests with its emphasis on fun rather than tournament play. Two groups of five teams play in round robin competition for the Festival Shield, with the winners and runners-up proceeding to the knockout semi-finals and final. In this half of the draw club players can find themselves on the field with stars such as Mike Gatting, Robert Croft, Steve Watkin and Matthew Maynard --all of whom have played in recent Festivals. Five teams of social cricketers play a round robin with the top two advancing to play for the President’s Shield. Teams typically arrive several days in advance of the four-day playing schedule in late November to take advantage of Sarasota’s other attractions - beaches, golf, tennis, and deep-sea fishing. The Festival’s playing schedule is punctuated with parties, receptions, and a gala dinner and dance for players and friends.

Past Winners