FROM 320 teams that started the competition down to last 28, the 14th Daily Echo Hampshire Primary Schools Soccer Challenge was more popular than ever with the finalists competing for the love of the game at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium.

In another fabulous day for local football, boys' and girls' teams from across the region took part in a feast of football on Bank Holiday Monday.

The competition is organised by Saints, the Daily Echo and Hampshire County Council and has been a smash hit yet again.

Saints' football development officer Ian Juryeff said: "It was a great day for the children.

"It's all about the children having a fun and enjoyable day - and I think they did.

"I was very pleased with how it went off and would like to thank the people at the football club who helped, as well as the Daily Echo and the Army for their support.

"The whole afternoon was played in a great spirit and the referees were tremendous as well.

"The girls and the boys thoroughly enjoyed their day and so did the spectators. You can't ask for any more than that.

"It was a day to remember."

For more news and pictures from the Schools Soccer Challenge Finals - see today's Daily Echo.