Paulton's football pitches were buzzing with activity yesterday as more than 40 teams competed against each other in a pre-season tournament.
The event - which also attracted teams from Frome, Bath and Wells - was organised by Claire Burton and Dave Hayward, chair of host club Purnells Sports Youth FC.
"This tournament has been running for four years and a lot of hard work goes into organising it," said Hayward. "All the people involved are volunteers but everyone enjoys it."
The tournament featured budding Bales aged from eight to 16, with girls' divisions at under-13 and 15 level. There are plans to introduce a girls' under-10s competition in future.
Liz Hardman, Bath and North East Somerset ward councillor for Paulton, was in attendance and said: "It was great to see such an age range and to see opportunities for girls, as well as boys, to play football."
Glyn Young and Colin Green, joint managers of the Purnells Sports under-8s team, were delighted with how the event went.
"It is really pleasing to see the kids enjoying themselves and to get the parents involved," said Young.
"All under-8 players get a participation medal, which emphasises that it's not just the winning but the taking part that is important."
All the money raised from the tournament will go back into Purnells Sports Youth and helps keep down the cost of hiring pitches.
Training takes place on Saturday mornings, with some midweek sessions for the under-16s on the artificial pitch at Writhlington.
For more information, contact Claire Burton on 07518 034988 or purnellsclaire@gmail.com.
