YOUNG footballers from all over the North of England flocked to Silsden at the weekend hoping to lift a trophy in the Silsden AFC Juniors Five-a-Side Tournament.

This was the first of what the club hoped would be an annual event and a great deal of effort was put in to make sure it all ran smoothly.

"We have had tremendous support from local businesses and the local community," said juniors chairman Graham North.

"Our aim was to provide an enjoyable event for the whole family and staged at the height of football fever at the start of the World Cup."

More than 80 teams from as far afield as Doncaster, Emley and Oldham fielded under eight, under nine, under 10 and under 11 sides.

"It was just an unbelievable success," commented Graham. "So many people helped out whose children were not even playing. That's what makes a club."

Organisers were up at 6am on Sunday preparing the pitch, which had been waterlogged overnight.

"We had it so well organised that the referees never left the pitch and we only had two minutes between games, thanks to stewards from Craven College," added Graham.

Winners were: Under 11, Hatfield Chase Juniors (runners up Brunlea); under 10, Clifton Rangers (runners up Silsden AFC Juniors); under nine, Wyke Wanderers (runners up Bolton Woods); under eight, Wilsden Juniors (runners up Brunlea).

The event raised more than £3,000 for the club.

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