More than 1000 girls and boys will be taking part in one of the highlights of the summer this weekend.

Soccer On The Sands attracts thousands of youngsters to Great Yarmouth Central Beach – and the Eastern Daily Press is one of the official event partners.

A staggering 128 teams will be taking part in what is the 11th staging of the event.

Michael Jeal, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's cabinet member for tourism and business services, said: 'Soccer on the Sands has been running since 2004 and has always proved very popular with families, with some 2,000 players taking part over the two days.

'This event is tremendous for the community and for the borough's tourism industry, as it attracts players and spectators from across East Anglia.

'Great Yarmouth Borough Council, which provides the event management support, is the main sponsor and is delighted that the Eastern Daily Press is also on board as a sponsor this year.'

Tomorrow's action will see the U7s, U9s, U11s and U13s gracing the sands, while it's the turn of the U8s, U10s, U12s and U12 and U13 girls on Sunday.

Games will begin at 10.30am on both days, after a team briefing at 10am, and will run throughout the day before presentation ceremonies take place from 2pm each day.

Craig Terrington, Norfolk's football development officer for the youth game, said the weekend promised to be a real celebration ahead of this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

He said: 'We have based this year's tournament on FIFA's World Cup competition, with each team participating over the course of the weekend adopting a nation that will participate in this summer's tournament in Brazil.

'To make it that extra bit special, every youngster that takes part will receive a unique 'Soccer on the Sands' T-shirt, depicting their designated country.'

Norfolk FA wishes to thank all the official event partners – the Great Yarmouth Mercury, the Eastern Daily Press, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and the Beach House Cafe, for their financial support in staging this year's tournament.

See Monday's EDP for an eight-page supplement on Soccer on the Sands.

Are you hosting a celebration of sport in Norfolk? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk