OVER 1,000 youth footballers trod on the turf at Wendron United's Underlane ground as the Sharon Wood Mini-soccer Tournament returned on Sunday.

The competition saw just under 100 teams from across the South West come to the site which was turned into 13 small football pitches with prizes on offer in five age categories and games played between Under 7s and 8s sides too.

There was plenty of excitement during the day, especially when the Under 11s final between Newquay United and Chaddlewood Miners had to be decided on a penalty shoot-out, with United winning 7-6.

Marine Academy Plymouth took home the U9s prize and Callington defeated St Day 2-0 in the U10s final.

The last match in the U12s proved to be tight with Illogan Hotspurs grabbing the title from St Day Choughs with a 1-0 victory while Truro City Cobras bagged the U13s gong.

Money was also raised for Cancer Research UK with the club having raised more than £45,000 in the 16 years since the competition started in memory of Wood, a founding member at Wendron who died from the disease in 1999.

Tournament organiser Alan Watson said: "Each year it continues to surpass the expectations of the previous with more teams enjoying a fun packed day of football all played in the true spirit of the game, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, even the mum’s and dad’s who sat and soaked up the sun.

"All the volunteers must also be commended for their efforts as they were on hand to ensure the whole day ran smoothly and also to feed what appeared to be a large turnout of players, coaches and parents.

"Without the loyalty and kindness of our volunteers, too many to mention, the tournament would be possible."

This year also saw the introduction of the Graham Wood Sporting Award Trophy in memory of Sharon's husband, who also sadly passed away recently following a battle with cancer.

The awards were given to the sides in each of the age categories who the referees felt showed the best sportsmanship, with the awards going to:

U7s - St Day

U8s - St Day

U9s - Tregorrick Tigers

U10s - Wendron United

U11s - Wendron United

U12s - Helston Harriers

U13s - St Day