THE Hereford Lions Club have taken four teams representing ages 12 to 18 years to Vianen, Holland to take part in their Annual Youth Exchange.

The teams represent a group of 60 boys.

The Lions Club have done this for more than 37 years and the trips have been most successful both from a footballing and educational point of view.

In addition, members feel that the experience and discipline contributes considerably towards character building for those involved.

Since its inception, over 2000 boys from Herefordshire have taken part in the programme.

The Lions Club of Hereford and Vianen treat it as part of their youth exchange programme. It helps promotes better understanding and friendships with other nations.

This year the tournament was held from June 7 to 9 with each team playing four games per day.

As the team's playing kit had reached 10 years of age the club sought donations for its replacement.

last year Tess Forder kindly donated two sets of kits and this year substantial donations from Cotswold BMW, Hi-line Industries and Hereford Lions Club has enabled an additional five kits and managers training kit to be purchased.

The old kits have been donated to Matt Prosser, football development officer at Herefordshire Football Association who is arranging to send these to a club in Malawi.