YOUNG footballers from all over Europe will gather in April for the eighth Blackpool International Youth Football Tournament.

Teams from Holland, Germany, Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland and, for the first time, the Czech Republic will converge on Blackpool on April 13 to compete on the following Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the prestigious 'Blackpool Pleasure Beach Trophies'.

More than 100 teams are expected and nearly 4000 beds have been booked in hotels and guest houses to house them.

The games will be played on Saturday and Sunday at Common Edge pitches and the finals will be played on the grounds of Blackpool Mechanics on the Monday, who also host the event.

Local teams of all ages are invited to enter the event. Those interested should contact Jim on 01324 621784 to obtain an application form. Entry is £50 per team.