Former Manchester United and French international footballer, Eric Cantona is to coach the French national team in this summers 2009 pro Beach Soccer tour to be held at Butlins in Minehead.

The Beach Soccer World Wide Euroleague attracts teams from all over Europe including Germany, England, Hungary and Portugal, and is the first time it has been held in this country.

The 3 day round-robin competition will see the knockout stages culminate in a July 19 final at a purpose built 2,000 seater stadium.

The tournament doesn’t normally attract top name players; England’s captain Terry Bowes is a London cabbie, however Azerbaijan will be represented by members of their full international squad.

Eric Cantona is no stranger to the sea, following his infamous kung-fu kick and subsequent comment in 1995; “when the seagulls follow the trawler, it’s because they think sardines will be thrown in to the sea” he should feel right at home in Minehead.