He hesitated to step onto the sand. Today, he wears the Belgian national colours and is preparing with Union Vrede for the World Winners Cup. The story of Amaury Rose is about persevering, continuing to learn, and moments that mean much more than a goal.

In 2022, Amaury was playing for FC Genappe when Louis Segers invited him to try beach soccer. Due to previous ankle injuries, he didn't entirely trust the unstable surface.

Yet, he let himself be convinced.

One training session was enough to spark something. The spectacle, the acrobatic moves, and the possibilities of the sport appealed to him immediately. Ever since, the sand has never let him go.

A goal that became a family story

Ask Amaury about his fondest memory, and he takes you back to Nazaré.

His father was there as a beach soccer coach for the first time. On his birthday, Amaury scored a goal that he was able to celebrate with him and dedicate to him.

A year earlier, he had also scored on his father's birthday. But this time, his father was right there.

His first goal for Belgium took on personal meaning as well. Against Malta, he redirected a shot from Vincent Depotbecker into the net. His brother had predicted that he would score. Amaury was able to dedicate the goal to him via the cameras.

A national dream, a collective challenge

As a child, he dreamed of representing Belgium, with Eden Hazard as his idol. That dream became reality in beach soccer.

Wearing the national jersey is an honour for him that demands dedication and respect.

At Union Vrede, Amaury brings that same fighting spirit. He can both attack and defend, but emphatically remains a player eager to learn. He also takes an honest look at the squad: there is still a lot of work to do, while the collective fighting spirit and the mix of experience and youth form a solid foundation.

For Alanya, he takes a clear approach: game by game. First, survive the group stage, then get as far as possible.

With dedication on the sand, pride in his country, and memories that continue to drive him: get to know Amaury Rose.

The full interview with Amaury Rose

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a bit about who you are?

My name is Amaury Rose, I am 26 years old and I work in construction.
In my spare time, I play football, futsal and, of course, beach soccer.

2. How did you discover beach soccer and what made you want to take up the sport?

In 2022, when I played in the third provincial division for FC Genappe, I discovered beach soccer thanks to Louis Segers, a player I play football with. The club had built a pitch and Louis suggested giving it a try. I was completely reluctant at first, because I'd had quite a few ankle injuries and was worried about the instability of the sand.

In the end, he convinced me to give it a shot. I was hooked right away, because it's spectacular and you can attempt incredible acrobatic moves. Ever since, I haven't left the sand!

3. Which teams have you played for so far?

I started with David Mames's academy team, where I played for two seasons. After that, I played one season at FC Genappe. Then I joined Zone 14, which Tanguy Hanon founded with a few players who trained regularly throughout the year.

Finally, I joined Union Vrede, where I've currently played for one season.

I also had the opportunity to take part in tournaments abroad with ES Braine and RFC Perwez.

4. How would you describe your playing style and your role on the pitch?

I describe myself as a combative player who never gives up and loves learning to make progress. I've played both as an attacker and as a defender. I feel comfortable in both positions, but still have a lot to improve to become a good player.

5. What has been your fondest memory of beach soccer so far?

I have a few, but experiencing a tournament in Nazaré with my dad, who was coaching beach soccer for the first time, and scoring on his birthday was something truly special and symbolic for me.

The year before, I had already scored on his birthday as well. But this time, I could celebrate it together with him and dedicate the goal to him! It's an unforgettable moment!

6. What does it mean to you to defend the colours of the Belgian national team?

Ever since I was young, I dreamed of representing Belgium. Originally, I thought of football, with Eden Hazard as my idol. In the end, I represent Belgium in beach soccer, and I'm delighted to do so.

Despite the difficulties you may encounter, wearing your country's flag on your chest remains deeply symbolic.

It's an honour. You have to respect that and fight for it as well!

©BelgiumBeachSoccer-CyrilKindt

7. Which match or moment with Belgium left the biggest impression on you?

My first goal against Malta, when I deflected a shot from Vincent Depotbecker.

That was special, because I'm not a big goalscorer and always find it difficult to score. My brother had challenged me, saying I would score. So I was able to rise to that challenge and dedicate the goal to him through the cameras.

8. How did you end up at Union Vrede and what convinced you to join our project?

I was playing for Zone 14 when the president of Vrede came to visit us to talk.

The idea was to develop Union Vrede based on what we were doing at Tanguy's Zone 14, but with more resources and board support.

I liked the idea, so I took the plunge.

©BelgiumBeachSoccer-CyrilKindt

9. How did you experience Union Vrede's successes this season, both in Belgium and internationally?

Personally, I had mixed feelings. But for the club and the president, it's a good start to the project, allowing us to gradually make a name for ourselves.

10. In your opinion, what are our team's main strengths, and which aspects do we still need to improve?

We still have a lot of work to do. I'd say a bit of everything, without going into detail.

One strength of the team could be our collective fighting spirit. And perhaps also the mix of experience and youth within the squad.

11. Official pre-season preparations started on 13 September. What does the team mainly need to work on to be ready for the World Winners Cup in Alanya?

I think we need to work on several key areas, such as team play, group cohesion, physical fitness, and above all, our basic technical skills.

12. What are your expectations, as well as your personal and collective ambitions for this competition?

Personally, I take it match by match. Surviving the group stage would be a first objective.

After that, getting as far as possible while following the coach's instructions and showing great plays to demonstrate that Belgian beach soccer has plenty to offer.

13. Which opponent or what kind of challenge would you like to take on in Alanya?

I would love to play against Be Martins. That would be fantastic. I admire his game and try to learn by watching him. Even if we don't share the same profile, he remains an exemplary player.

14. What message would you like to share with the Union Vrede supporters ahead of this big adventure?

I hope we can live up to your expectations and achieve the club's objectives. And that whatever happens, the Union Vrede supporters keep backing us, so that together we form one united group!