The Somerset coast is bracing itself for an influx of Gallic mysticism this summer, with news that the French beach soccer team, managed by the enigmatic Eric Cantona, will be visiting Butlins Minehead for an international tournament.

The competition will see a select band of Europe's footballing giants battle it out on the sand as part of the Beach Soccer Euroleague, staged at the 2,000-seat purpose-built stadium in Minehead. The beach soccer teams of England, France, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, Switzerland and Azerbaijan are scheduled to compete in a round-robin competition on 17-19 July. It is the first time that England has hosted such a tournament.

The event will add to the resurgent popularity of Butlins as an increasing band of Brits choose to stay at home this summer. Day tickets will cost £10 for adults and £5 for children, with three-day tickets costing £25 and £10 respectively. Packages at Minehead Butlins over the corresponding period start from £95 per person for a three-night break.

Cantona's star appeal is rare in a derivative sport that doesn't usually attract players of the more recognised football game (England's captain Terry Bowes is a London taxi driver), although keen students of central Asian football will notice that Azerbaijan's beach soccer team is represented by members of the full international squad.

But the French footballer's attraction to the seaside game isn't as anomalous as it sounds. Indeed, Cantona, whose turn in the eponymous "Looking for Eric" is currently impressing critics in Cannes, often finds his thoughts turning to the sea. When quizzed about his infamous kung-fu kick in 1995, Cantona famously noted that "when the seagulls follow the trawler, it's because they think sardines will be thrown in to the sea." Of course they do, Eric, of course they do.