A RECORD number of teams took part in the county's premier youth football tournament at the weekend.Gorleston Rangers annual five a side tournament was hailed as the best ever with sides from as far afield as Milton Keynes, Stevenage and Colchester lining up.

A RECORD number of teams took part in the county's premier youth football tournament at the weekend.

Gorleston Rangers annual five a side tournament was hailed as the best ever with sides from as far afield as Milton Keynes, Stevenage and Colchester lining up.

Players packed the pitches at Lynn Grove High School throughout the two days of the tournament sponsored by Moughton Engineering that is now in its 20th year.

Local teams enjoyed their share of success with Gorleston FC A beating Gorleston Rangers 1-0 in the under 10 boys final; Gunton Youth lifted the under 12 cup with a 2-0 victory over Gorleston FC A and several others contested their respective finals.

Club secretary and tournament organiser Chris Dunne said: “It was the most successful tournament so far. Many people commented on how friendly the atmosphere was, the games were played in a good spirit and the standard of football was excellent.

“We received plenty of praise for the way it was run, not just from the winners but the other sides taking part too.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all our sponsors and the players' parents and families, without them the tournament would not be the success it is. The fact that so many people go beyond the call of duty is the secret of our success.

“Word gets around what a good tournament this is, so we get more and more teams taking part year after year.”

Gorleston Rangers has grown to be the biggest youth football club in Norfolk fielding more than 30 sides and 400 players in the Norfolk and Suffolk League.

Saturday, June 14

U14 (sponsors CLS Offshore): Old Catton JFC 1, Shrublands 0.

U8 (Kool Studios): Kesgrave Kestrels 2, Sprowston 0.

U10 (Sakes Hair and Beauty): Gorleston FC A 1, Gorleston Rangers 0.

U12 (Global ES): Gunton 2, Gorleston FC A 0.

U11 Girls (Dimascio Ice Cream Supplies): Dereham Wanderers 0, Shrublands 0. Penalties: Dereham Wanderers 3, Shrublands 1.

U13 Girls (Ocean Room): Swanton Herons 1, Gorleston Rangers 0.

Sunday, June 15

U13 (Turnstyle): Old Catton JFC 2, Gorleston Rangers A 1.

U15 (Edeco Petroleum Services): Cornard Utd A 0, Cornard Utd B 0. Penalties: Cornard Utd A 3, Cornard Utd B 2.

U8 Sunday (Brewers Chip Saloon): Taverham 1, Gorleston FC A 0.

U14 Girls (Great Yarmouth Lions Club): Brandon Lasses 2, Kirkley & Pakefield 0.

U11 (Great Yarmouth Ceilings): St Johns 1, Kirkley & Pakefield 0.

U9 (GB Joinery): Waveney Youth 1, Woodbridge Town 0.

All U7 teams that took part in the tournament were presented with Gorleston Rangers commemorative medals with green and white ribbons.