BOYS AND GIRLS from around the region proved the spirit of football is still alive and kicking when they took part in the Flybe Community Cup six-aside finals at St Mary's on Sunday.

"It was the spirit of all the boys and girls that impressed me," said Saints community football development officer Ian Juryeff, who was clocking up his tenth year of involvement in the competition, which has been going for 14 years.

"There were 300 schools taking part in the four regional qualifiers and 27 made it through to finals day. They all wanted to win but the main thing is that they were enjoying themselves. There was also a tremendous relaxed atmosphere about the whole event. This is what grass roots footbal is all about."

Teams from all around the region took part in the competition organised by Saints, the Daily Echo and Hampshire County Council.

"I would like to thank Flybe for their sponsorship because there is a good bit of money involved in running the event," said Juryeff.

"Thanks also go to the club for allowing us on the St Mary's pitch and to goundsman Dave Roberts, who got it ready for us.

"Behind the scenes I would also like to thank Jo Richardson at the Daily Echo, and Ian Beecham and Carol Warmington at the County Council."

Spectators and competitors all enjoyed the event -but there could only be one winner in each of the boys' and girls sections. The boys winners were St Judes School and the girls champions Orchard Junior School.

See pages 62-65 of today's Daily Echo for full tournament coverage.