THE inaugural five-a-side league for ethnic communities in Southampton has been voted a huge success.

The Daily Echo reported back in the autumn how the Hampshire FA-organised initiative had won praise from FA headquarters in Soho Square.

It was believed to be the first indoor league in the country aimed at getting more ethnic communities involved in football at grass-roots level.

The Southampton Sports Development and City Youth Services were also involved in setting up what was called the Late Night League in the St Mary's area of Southampton.

The area had for some time seen tensions between groups of young men and the league hoped to bring these groups together.

Hampshire FA County Development Manager Sacha Nicholas was delighted with how the eight-team league had gone.

"We have been working on this project for some time. We were all aware that the area had a need for such a league.

"We saw some excellent football from some extremely skilful players over the season.

"We have been very encouraged in the spirit in which the league was played and are delighted that all the teams are keen for a second season to start in the New Year.

"The infrastructure is now in place for the league to eventually administer itself and that will be are aim over the next couple of season."

Six of the Best topped the league with Singh All Stars and SO14 finishing second and third respectively.

The finals night saw the top three teams all presented with trophies and every player given certificates.

Jan Hill, the Senior Sports Development Officer at Southampton City Council, said: "It's been fantastic. It adds to our portfolio of successes and partnership working that Sports Development, Southampton City Council and HFA have had over the passed few years."

Simon Whitemores, from The City Youth Service, added: "There was a real appreciation from everyone about the league which is helping to bring communities together."