A popular football festival made a welcome return to the sporting calendar as hundreds of children battled it out at a successful event.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Youngsters from more than 80 youth football teams from across Norfolk and Suffolk had a great time taking part in Kirkley and Pakefield FC's action-packed festival of football.

The two-day event was held at the club's Walmer Road headquarters on Saturday and Sunday – with organisers hailing the success of Lowestoft's largest youth football festival.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

With more than 80 FA-affiliated youth clubs joining in the special celebration of youth football, there were two full days of football matches and activities.

The 2018 festival of football was held to raise funds to continue to support the youth football community at Kirkley and Pakefield FC.

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

A club spokesman said: 'The weekend was only made possible by a team of volunteers and the valuable support of local businesses in their sponsorship and services.'

Chris Welham, festival organiser from K&P FC, added: '2018 was the re-launch of our football festival and we have been overwhelmed by the support from both local business and all the great teams from across the area that came along, making this our biggest youth festival yet!

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

'Being part of a football team offers so much to children, we have wonderful facilities, volunteers, supporters and children which form our football community.

'The football festival is a perfect opportunity to share our club with so many others from the local area celebrating football, skills and fair play.'

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

As well as the matches for a range of age groups over both days, there was also the chance to take part in football activities that included a crossbar challenge, penalty shoot outs and a top bin challenge.

Speaking after the first day of the festival, Carl O'Conner from Stalham U9, said: 'The team had a great day and your hospitality during and after the tournament was fantastic'

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Youngsters were also praised by Boots2Africa, as more than 40 pairs of football boots were donated over the weekend to a special collection which will 'make a real difference to the children and young adults of Africa.'

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Action from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick HowesAction from the Kirkley and Pakefield FC Festival of Football. Pictures: Mick Howes (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Waveney U8 Thundercats, who won the U8 section of the Kirkley and Pakefield FC 2018 festival of football. Picture: Mark BoggisWaveney U8 Thundercats, who won the U8 section of the Kirkley and Pakefield FC 2018 festival of football. Picture: Mark Boggis (Image: Archant)