Asfordby FC go into overdrive as tournament attracts 130-plus teams

The tournament attracted junior teams from five counties from as far afield as Lincoln and Peterborough.

Tournament director Simon Atherley said: “In some ways the event has become easier to organise. We now have a formula to accommodate five v five, six v six, seven v seven and nine v nine football across age groups from under 7s to under 14s.

“We have become so well-known that many of the age groups are oversubscribed. To have 134 teams from five counties is a fantastic achievement for our club and everyone involved in the organisation of the event should be very proud.”

The club run the event every year at their Hoby Road ground and it has a strong reputation as the largest and best attended in Leicestershire.

Alex Pead, of Mowbray Rangers, said: “It was very well organised and the boys and parents enjoyed it.

“I know how much hard work goes on behind the scenes so well done from us.”

Planning for next year’s event has already started and Atherley paid tribute to those who work hard to put on the tournament.

“I’m not sure that people realise just how much hard work goes into running an event like this,” he said.

“People have taken time off work to make sure that others have an enjoyable feast of football and I would like to say a special thanks to Simon Lee, Duncan Shelley and Michael Cornes, who organise all of our referees, for their commitment and dedication.”

* Following FA guidelines, tournament organisers are unable to publish results.