ENTRY is still open to female teams for two prestigious summer tournaments being staged in the North-East in coming weeks.

Organisers of the North Tyneside International Youth Football Tournament are looking to fill the last one or two vacancies for the Under-16 Girls event.

The competition, played at the Churchill Playing Fields, in Whitley Bay, involving entries from as far afield as the USA and Ireland, takes place over five days from Wednesday to Sunday, July 28 - August 1.

Matches are played 11-a-side on a round-robin group basis, from the Wednesday to Friday, with the latter stages on the weekend, and finals at Whitley Bay FC's Hillheads ground. Further details are available from North Tyneside events officers Tom Wilson or Malcolm Henderson, on 0191-200 8909, or mobile (07967) 463016.

The event has its own website, www.ntyouthsoccer.com

Meanwhile, teams are needed for the Sunshine Fund Ladies' Five-a-Side Tournament, being staged at Gateshead's Powerleague pitches.

The tournament takes place on Sunday August 8, from 10.30am - 4.30pm, for squads of seven players, including two reserves.

There is a £40 charge, with proceeds going to the Sunshine Fund to help sick and disabled children in the North-East by providing essential equipment and learning aids to enhance their quality of life. There is also a free buffet available for competitors during the lunch-break.

Closing date for entries is Monday July 26, with further details available from Sunshine Fund Manager Jo Harris, on 0191-201 6289.