Kate ScotterHundreds of youth teams from across Norfolk showed the passion and commitment of grassroots football in the region when they competed in a tournament this weekend.Kate Scotter

Hundreds of youth teams from across Norfolk showed the passion and commitment of grassroots football in the region when they competed in a tournament this weekend.

Hundreds of youngsters, coaches and proud parents descended on Sprowston High School's playing field on Saturday and Sunday for Norwich City Football Club's tenth annual Football in the Community (FITC) Summer Cup tournament.

The Aviva sponsored event attracted 178 teams from across Norfolk and north Suffolk and hundreds of parents cheered their children from the sidelines.

Jonathan Scott, 13, from Acle, who plays for Norwich United, said: 'It's nice to be able to play football for the whole day. Normally you just play for one match but we're playing lots of matches all day.

'I like playing football because it's fun, keeps you fit and playing this tournament is exciting, there's lots of people here.'

Fourteen pitches were set up across the school playing field and families arranged tarpaulins and small tents around the edges.

Saturday's matches were for boys under seven, under nine, under 11 and under 13 boys as well as for girls under 12 and 14.

Yesterday the under eight, under 10, under 12 and under 14 boys were in action.

The under seven and eight matches were non-competitive while the older children were vying for the chance to win a trophy and a match day experience.

And there was plenty on offer for those on the sidelines with an inflatable assault course, a keepy uppy challenge, an agility challenge and the Puppet Theatre on hand doing arts and crafts.

Steve Eastaugh, development manager for the scheme, said it was a 'great' event for the youngsters.

He said: 'They are playing with their friends and it's a good chance for them to play against teams they wouldn't normally play against.

'It can get quite competitive but in a controlled and good spirited way, we normally have more problems with the parents as the mums and dads can get excited.'

Don't miss Champions in the Evening News on Thursday featuring all the action from the Football in the Community (FITC) Summer Cup. You can also view champions by logging onto www.eveningnews24.co.uk.