A BLOCKBUSTER junior football club tournament attracted more than 80 teams as 500 youngsters took part.

Teams came from as far as north east Hampshire and south east Surrey to play in back-to back matches at Beacon Hill FC’s event.

Haslemere mayor Sahran Abeysundara kicked off the proceedings and Beacon Hill Girls Allowed teams competed first.

The fast-paced matches were kept in line by fully qualified FA referees and there were many other attractions including a penalty shoot-out featuring a speed gun, with the fastest shot topping 69mph.

There was also a bouncy castle and a Dylan’s Ice Cream van helped keep players and supporters alike cool.

Beacon Hill U13s are celebrating their meteoric rise from winning division one last season to winning the premiership this season.

Chairman Neil McWilliams said: “The club was set up more than eight years ago and in that time it has grown from a squad of 20 boys, to more than 300 boys and girls week-in and week-out. We participate in both the North East Youth Hampshire League and the South Surrey League.

“Our club is run by volunteers, who are generally parents of children playing for the club, with training taking place on Thursday evenings and games taking place on Saturdays and Sundays.

“We have home pitches at Hindhead Playing Fields and Beacon Hill Recreation Ground. Each age group is represented by a head coach and competitive matches start at the U12s.

“The club has gone from strength-to-strength in recent years. We have been lucky enough to welcome sponsorship of the pitches this year which has helped immensely.

“The club is led by a strong committee and parent coaches, who all volunteer their time each season to make the club what it is today – and we are very grateful.”