GULF SHORES—It’s back. Twelve months after its inaugural edition, the American Open Beach Handball Championship returns to the white sands and sunny skies of Gulf Shores, Ala., on April 24-26 with teams set to compete in youth, women’s and men’s divisions.

Anyone seeking an alternative option to their typical weekend plans would be wise to consider checking out this event as it is open to the public at no charge and will showcase both an exciting sport of twisting, turning, leaping athletes and the “Small Town, Big Beach” town that is hosting it.

Under the direction of Dede Piankova, a member of the National Faculty at the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Ala., the tournament will feature youth squads from neighboring Orange Beach as well as adult outfits from Europe, the Middle East and all across the U.S. playing on courts right outside the famous “Hangout.” The youth matchups are scheduled for Friday 10:30 a.m. to noon and again that afternoon from 1:30-3 p.m. Adult sessions will be that evening 5:30-7, and then Saturday 10:30 a.m. to noon, 1:30-3 p.m. and 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday’s finals schedule has yet to be determined.

“The emphasis isn’t just on the international teams,” said Piankova. “This is a great opportunity for the youth teams to get out there and compete, to learn the game and get some experience playing it. I’m very excited about that.”

Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft is expected to present a Mayors Cup to the respective winners and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the men’s and women’s divisions. His support, as well as that from local businesses and organizations, was crucial to this tournament coming to fruition last year and its return his year. Piankova, President and Founder of American Community Team Sports, and Grant Brown, Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs for Gulf Shores, were driving forces as well, not to mention the creative minds behind the event.

Not to be confused with volleyball, beach handball involves two teams passing and bouncing a ball, trying to throw it in each other’s goal. Matches are played in a best-of-three series. For those interested in learning more about the technical aspects and rules of the sport, Piankova is holding a clinic that will include classroom theory and practical application on the beach the same weekend in that area. The Academy will provide Certificates of Participation to those who qualify.

For more details, visit www.aobhc.org.