BUMPER crowds packed out the beach at Poole to watch youngsters compete in an FA-backed festival of football

Dorset County FA Youth Council invited seven local schools to the Beach Soccer Festival, which took place on the sands between Canford Cliffs and Branksome Chine.

Event spokesman Rosie Eggleston explained: "Pupils were introduced to beach soccer, most for the very first time, and learned about how they could volunteer within their local community and make a difference to grassroots football."

One of the aims of Thursday's event was to encourage Year 9 pupils to embrace the sport, either as players or volunteers.

Poole High School, St Edwards School, The Purbeck School and secondary schools from Blandford, Gillingham, Highcliffe and Shaftesbury took part.

Rosie explained: "The Dorset Youth Council is a group of eight energetic, innovative and progressive young leaders, between the ages of 16-24, who represent the football views of young people in the county.

"The Dorset Football Futures programme gives the eight young people a voice in key decisions affecting grassroots football."

The council 's purpose is to give young people a platform to encourage greater participation amongst youth in grassroots football and give them a voice in shaping the future of the game, said Rosie.

She added: "The youth council was given a predetermined budget to spend on projects which they felt were important.

"They ran the Beach Soccer Festival which combined the chance to play the beautiful game, fun skills sessions, and also allowed enthusiastic Year 9 pupils the chance to learn more about how individuals can volunteer in football within their local community."