AN inaugural beach football tournament hosted by AFC Bournemouth Ability Counts has been hailed a “massive success”.

Cherries welcomed more than 250 children and youngsters to the competition held for people with learning and/or physical disabilities.

Clubs including Cherries, Southampton, Chelsea, Poole Town and Dexters were represented across different age groups.

Katy Shephard, head coach of AFC Bournemouth Ability Counts FC, said: “The day was a massive success.

“To have 260 players here for our first attempt at this tournament was fantastic.

“I was so proud of all the players. Not just our AFC Bournemouth Ability Counts players, who wore their shirts with pride, but those from every club who helped to showcase what great things these children and young people are capable of, regardless of their disabilities.

“I am looking forward to working with Bournemouth Borough Council again in the future to organise more beach events for those with disabilities, as well as hopefully making the tournament a regular event.”

The age groups – under-12s, under-16s and seniors – were divided into League and Championship categories, the former being for those with limited mobility and awareness and the latter for an increased level. Cherries reached the final in both under-12s tournaments but lost out to Woking and Feltham Bees, respectively.

Woking and Chelsea emerged victorious in the under-16s section.