Youngsters are gearing up for a football frenzy in Great Yarmouth this weekend.

Youngsters are gearing up for a football frenzy in Great Yarmouth this weekend.

Tomorrow, the annual Soccer on the Sands competition kicks off on Central Beach.

The biggest football event of its kind in the region will attract more than 3,000 enthusiastic young footballers and their supporters to the seafront.

The soccer festival, which is sponsored by the Evening News and its sister paper Eastern Daily Press and Norfolk FA, will see the beach's golden sands swamped by 80 teams of avid soccer fans between the ages of seven and 13.

The beach will be transformed into a giant football stadium with three age groups taking part each day.

The under 11s, 12s, and 13s will be playing tomorrow while the under eights, nines, and 10s battle it out on Sunday.

Each age group will see up to 16 teams with eight players in each.

The theme for this year is The Champions League, which means the teams will be donning the strips of top clubs such as Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Teams and their colours were allocated during a live draw on Radio Norfolk on Wednesday.

Charlotte Papworth, marketing manager for the Evening News, said. "Each year the event is a success and seems to increase in stature, which is reflective in the enthusiastic response we gain from the participating teams and the number of visitors and spectators who join in the festivities.

"The Evening News is delighted to team up with the EDP and Norfolk FA for Soccer on the Sands this year.

"This tournament offers children a great opportunity to experience beach football, whilst improving their skills and teamwork in a safe and well organised environment.

"I am sure it will be a great day out not only for the players but also the supporters, so come along and join in the fun."

The fun gets under way at 10.30am each day and concludes at 4pm with the presentation of trophies to the winners and runners up.

Great Yarmouth Mercury, Greater Yarmouth Tourism Authority and Radio Broadland are also supporting the event.

For further information visit www.eveningnews24.co.uk