HYTHE & Dibden Youth FC’s annual six-a-side tournament is going from strength to strength.

The 2015 event was the biggest and best yet with an amazing 130 teams entered from across the region.

Club spokesman Steve Browne said: “In two jam-packed days around 1,000 children, from under-7 to under-14, played great football in a great, fun environment at our home ground in Shore Road, Hythe.

“Its success was the result of much hard work by committee members, managers, coaches, parents and players who worked like trojans to prepare pitches, organise parking, cook burgers, make tea and, of course, run a football tournament on such a large scale.

“Younger age-groups were non-competitive with group games and all players receiving a medal. Entries were so good that we could run both main and sub-cup competitions with quarter and semi-finals – great entertainment for all.

“The club would like to thank everyone who took part – let’s do it all again next year!”

HDYFC currently runs 22 teams from under-7 to under-18 playing in the New Forest, Eastleigh & District Mini Soccer, Tyro and City of Southampton leagues.

Last year they were awarded FA Charter Standard status.

“We continue to grow with more new teams in the pipeline for next season,” said Browne.

The club also runs specialist goalkeeper training sessions and a pay-as-you-go soccer school for children from reception to Year 3. All sessions are run by minimum Level 1 FA coaches.