A youth football tournament has successfully raised money to support youngsters with complex needs.

Eighteen teams of young footballers gathered on the synthetic turf of a coastal town’s pitch for a friendly five-a-side tournament.

The Topcats Charity Funday Football Tournament was hosted at Kirkley and Pakefield FC’s ground in Walmer Road, Lowestoft, with the purpose of fundraising for Topcats.

Topcats is a charity which organises activities for children and youngsters with complex needs.

Under 12's Waveney Reds Under 12's Waveney Reds (Image: Submitted)

Kelly Turner, a Support Worker at Topcats, said: “I was inspired by my football mad son to organise the tournament alongside fellow Support Worker Keiran Smith and together we wanted to put on a good fun day.

“With six teams in each of three age groups - under 7 years, under 9 years and under 12 years - taking part in the five-a-side competition, they were playing for a trophy in each age range – with everybody getting a medal.”

Ms Turner also mentioned a match involving the team coaches, saying: “There was also an adults match featuring the team coaches which was played at the end and was a lot of fun.

“Deputy Mayor Elise Youngman kicked off the tournament and alongside the football there was a fun day with cakes and games.

“We would like to say thank you all the teams and praise them for their sportsmanship - also to Kirkley and Pakefield FC and in particular Kev Fryer their youth chairman as the club has gifted the astro-turf pitches free of charge.”

Under 9's Kirkley Knights Under 9's Kirkley Knights (Image: Submitted)

The event triumphed by raising £2024 for Topcats.

The winners in each age category included Gorleston FC (Under 7s), Kirkley Knights (Under 9s), and Waveney Reds (Under 12s).

Ms Turner added: “Our next Topcats event is our Summer Fayre on Saturday, August 10 at the HQ in Morton Road, Lowestoft 11 – 4pm and will feature games, stalls and a visit from a Blue Dog.”