OVER 1,000 football fanatics turned out to witness a scintillating day's action at Trimdon Community College last weekend.

Forty-eight teams from across the region displayed their ball skills and the annual seven-a-side event - sponsored by training young children agency TARKA - turned out to be the biggest and best yet.

The competition, held by Trimdon United Juniors, was split into four groups from under-10s through to under-16s and the winning sides all had tough times in securing the trophies.

At under-10 level Cleveland Juniors took the honours, while reputable Middlesbrough outfit Marton FC claimed the under-12s title.

In the under-14s section Horden CW proved too good for their opponents and in the under-16s category Fishburn Boys lifted the trophy, handed to them by former Hartlepool star John Tinkler.

The success of the tournament was another sign of Trimdon's glowing reputation within local youth football ranks.

And now the club are gunning to take the next step up by receiving the status of a Chartered Standard Community Club.

To be handed the top status, Trimdon need to have a minimum of ten teams, one girls side, qualified coaches and managers, suitable changing rooms and a new all-weather pitch among other things to receive the honour.

And, once that is achieved, Trimdon will then receive a cheque for £500,000 from the Football Foundation - a sum which will help the junior club continue to produce future professional footballers.

Trimdon boast Middlesbrough defender Colin Cooper as one of their former players and the club presented the former England man with a Glass Ice Bucket and glasses as a tribute to his services to the club over the years.

* Youngsters who play for Trimdon under-16s have a good chance of securing a place at East Durham & Houghall Community College football Academy at Peterlee.

Similarly budding coaches will also be given the opportunity by Trimdon to take their first steps in management, as the club are offering to pay the coaching course fees for potential bosses.

Anyone interested in joining the club, either as a player or a coach, should contact ex-Hartlepool professional Jimmy Cain on (01740) 620581.