WITH World Cup fever gripping the nation, Padiham youngsters are being given their own shot at success.

Police have organised a five-a-side summer soccer competition with Burnley Council, Lancashire County Council youth services, Calico Housing and the Rank Foundation.

And they are on the look out for would-be Wayne Rooneys to take part.

The competition will be played Friday nights from July 21 on the astroturf pitch at Ivy Bank School, Padiham.

Police community support officer Martin Dandy said: "We ran a summer football tournament last year, but this year's competition is set to be bigger than ever before not least because of the increased interest in football with the World Cup.

"We're expecting hundreds of youngsters to apply for the competition, so I would urge people to contact us sooner rather than later if they want to take part. The best way to get a place is to fill in an application and consent form and get it returned to us as soon as possible."

Teams will compete in 20 minute matches running from 7-9pm which will be supervised by the police, youth workers and others.

At the end of the competition, a presentation night will be held where medals and certificates will be presented to all players and winning teams.

PCSO Dandy added: "The cup competition is just one of a range of initiatives being organised as part of the on-going county-wide Summer Nights campaign.

"The aim of the competition is to keep local youths entertained over the long hot summer holiday period and to encourage them to exercise their football skills in a safe, supervised environment where they won't cause problems for other Padiham residents."

The cup competitions open to boys and girls in two age categories: 11-13 and 14-16.

Anyone who would like further information about the competition should call PCSO Martin Dandy on 07984316887.