YOUTH football took centre stage during the annual Melcombe Regis FC Festival of Football at Weymouth College.

Local teams took four winner’s trophies home, while there were fair play awards for a further three.

More than 70 sides were present with 700 children competing in age groups from under-6 through to under-15 level.

A healthy complement of Dorset clubs was supported by a number of competitors from the west of England, including squads from Bristol, Southampton, Weston-super-Mare, Wiltshire and Hampshire.

Hosts Melcombe Regis narrowly missed out on two trophies, finishing runners-up to Wimborne & Holt and Chickerell United in the respective under-11 and under-15 tournaments.

Elsewhere, Weymouth Cougars defeated Worle United in the final of the under-10 competition, Portland United Sports emerged victorious in a derby battle with AFC Chesil to win the under-12 category and Dorchester Town Magpies secured the under-13 title.

Two fair play awards were given to Melcombe Regis in the under-8 and under-9 events, while AFC Chesil and Dexters Tigers were handed the under-6 and under-7 honours.

Melcombe Regis club chairman Alan Newman was delighted with how the festival went, labelling it a “successful weekend.”

He said: “It was yet again a successful weekend for children’s football, the sun was shining and all the parents and children were enjoying the atmosphere in a safe and secure environment.

“Melcombe Regis FC would like to thank all sponsors for their support in helping to fund this event because without those people things like this wouldn’t happen.”

Pitch sponsors for the event included Café Rico, Harbourside Café, Granby Diner, Tim’s Cycle Shop, Cobblekeys and Tees, Buckland Construction, Granby Roofing and Building Supplies, BoomBox, Subway, 5J’s Café and the Melcombe Regis under-11’s parents.

Trophy sponsors comprised Granby Roofing and Building Supplies, Red House Estate Agents, Tilleys Motorcycles and Bicycles, Fish ‘n’ Fritz, GMS Plumbing and Heating Supplies, ChewChoo, Paul Paice Blinds and Beds, Aura Café Bar and Fort View Café.

Volunteers, parents, managers and referees were all thanked by the club for their help and support over the weekend.

* Melcombe Regis FC are looking for new players in age groups ranging from under-6 to under-16 for the coming 2017/18 season.

Contact club secretary Nina Samways on 07771811707 for more information.

Melcombe Regis FC also hold a Mini Kickers session at The Marsh, Knightsdale Road, Weymouth run by former AFC Bournemouth development

manager and coach Mark Samways.

The event takes place inside the athletics track each Wednesday from 6-7pm.