Darren Huckerby - Photo by Joe Nuxoll / centerlinesoccer.com / isiphoto.com

San Jose, meet Darren Huckerby.

Or rather, Hucker-Hucker-Hucker-byyyyyyy. (0:55)

Largely unknown here but practically worshipped in Norwich, England, the soccer striker moved to our side of the universe less than a month ago to play with the San Jose Earthquakes. Considering he’s good enough to play in every league in a country that is unbelievably INSANE about soccer, you have to ask yourself, “Um, yeah, WHAT?”

Fans of the Norwich City Football Club were shocked, to say the least. Norwich City management unexpectedly released their hero in May without even giving them a proper chance for goodbye. And because of the loyal gentleman he is, Hucker-Hucker-Huckerby refused to play on any other English team that could possibly play against Norwich.

Their loss is our gain, soccer fan or not. And this is why:

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It is going to be another hot weekend. Time to head for the beach. This weekend there will be more than just hanging out at the Boardwalk for entertainment. There is the Pro-Am Beach Soccer Championship Saturday and Sunday in Santa Cruz.

Wait a minute; soccer on the beach? The ball will just sit there stuck in the sand! Nope, the ball is kept in the air and not dribbled on the sand. The “field” is much small than a regular soccer grass field and there are five players per team.

Next thing you know there will be sand fields popping up everywhere; in backyards, at work, and in parks.

Pro-Am Beach Soccer Championship
Main beach below the Boardwalk and Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz

Saturday and Sunday, June 21 – 22
Beginning 8:00 am

Schedule, field map, parking, and more information here.