A SUMMER holiday football tournament for more than 200 youngsters has been hailed a success.

Over the last six weeks, under-12s and under-14s teams from across Sunderland have taken part in Tackle It, run by the Sunderland Association Football Club Foundation, Sunderland Youth Offending Service, Wear Kids and Northumbria Police.

The competition has focused on footballing skills and good behaviour.

Tackle It coach John Fothergill said: "The tournaments have been fantastic with young people using not only their football skills but also demonstrating good attitudes around teamwork, sportsmanship and peer support.''

Gary Surtees, manager of the Tunstall Tigers Under-12s, one of the competing teams, said: "I was absolutely delighted with the manner in which the tournament was organised.The emphasis on attitude really did have an impact on the kids, which will, hopefully, improve them both on and off the field.''

The tournament ended at Crowtree Indoor Academy with an awards presentation attended by Sunderland FC mascot Samson the Cat.