GROWN-UP football "fans" have recently been condemned by Bury FC for the racist abuse they heap on players.

It is a problem at football grounds nationwide but that will hopefully change for the next generation of supporters, thanks to schemes like that run at Radcliffe Boro FC last week.

A tournament for under-12s was organised by the Afro Caribbean Opportunities Initiative (ACOI) as part of the Kick Racism Out of Football scheme.

ACOI committee member Wayne Entwistle said: "The response was very pleasing. We had eight teams from Bury and beyond taking part. It is the first time we have run such a tournament and it was so successful that we are thinking about holding another one at Easter and possibly organising something for the summer."

The event was sponsored by Detroit Promotions and the mixed race teams had fun by competing against each other in a number of matches last Thursday afternoon (Feb 20).

The overall winner was the Abraham Moss A team.

Afterwards all participants were presented with anti-racism badges and certificates.

Mr Entwistle said: "We are hoping to encourage more youngsters from ethnic minorities to involve themselves in sporting events and outdoor pursuits and I would be happy to advise them if they want to contact me on 01204 886633."