NEARLY 800 people turned out for the annual tournament at Orleton Juniors FC.

Family and friends enjoyed a two-day feast of football as youngsters from the age of seven to 13 battled it out to win their respective sections.

As well as being a great day out, the event serves as a showcase for what the club has to offer young footballers, and has a crucial fund-raising role.

“Our ethos focuses on giving children the chance to improve their skills, while also learning to respect coaches and team-mates,”

said Mark Richards, club chairman.

The club aims to develop young players’ skills from about the age of six and take them right through to the under 16s, offering a real sense of continuity and something for the youngest players to aspire to.

“We feel it’s important to encourage that competitive edge but in a healthy way – learning how to be a good winner and a good loser, how to play fair.

“The welcoming atmosphere at the club is well known locally, in fact this season three folding teams from other clubs chose us as a supportive place to come together and form a new under 16s team, which went on to win the Herefordshire league title.”

  •  The club is always looking for new players, especially in the under 12 and 14 age groups. For more information visit: orletonjuniorsfc.co.uk or click on the related link.