THE Bridport Youth Football Tournament has been hailed as a “really good success” after two days of football fever at St Mary’s Field.

More than 100 teams from across the region visited the Bees’ headquarters over two action-packed days of youth football.

When it came to the finals, three on the first day were decided by penalties and there was one victory for the hosts as Bridport Girls beat Ridgeway Falcons to win the Under-11 girls competition.

Dorchester enjoyed two wins as their under-nines took victory and Dorchester Dynamos claimed under-12 honours, beating Ilchester and Bridport Youth respectively.

READ MORE: Bridport confirm pre-season fixture list

Holt beat Ridgeway Eagles in the under-eight final, while Wimborne Girls defeated Bridport Girls in the under-15 girls showpiece.

Bridport Girls were edged out in the under-13 girls final by Ilminster and the under-sevens trophy went to Maiden Newton, beating neighbours Dorchester Stars.

On day two, PDC Youth beat Portland Panthers in the under-10 final and Bournemouth Sports saw off Holt in the under-11 showpiece.

Ridgeway Falcons secured the under-13 title from Beaminster, while Bournemouth Poppies were victorious in the under-14 class ahead of Ridgeway Eagles.

Axminster Tigers defeated Maiden Newton for the under-15 crown before Weymouth Cougars emerged with bragging rights over clubmates Weymouth Cougars Sports for the under-16 trophy.

Speaking to the Bridport News, tournament organiser Martin Phillips said: “We had 121 teams and overall it was a really good success.

“We’ve had nothing but praise really since the tournament finished in terms of the format and how everything ran virtually to time.

“Obviously, it only works if you’ve got the right sort of team behind you.

“I’ve done them before and this one went smoothly. It’s nothing but positives and the kids enjoyed themselves through the hot weather.

“Especially for the younger ones, anything up to under-11s they’re non-competitive anyway, we’re allowed to do trophy fixtures.

“It gives them an opportunity to play in a competitive environment but in the right way.

“All the kids loved it, the parents loved and everyone loved getting involved.

“It’s the fourth tournament I’ve done for Bridport and we did some new things.

“We had a specific pitch that was set up specifically for finalists. It had a tunnel and a walk-out so the kids got to appreciate what maybe some don’t in terms of being clapped on, rather than being on the pitch ready to play.

“That went down really well with all visitors, even our own teams. It made it that bit more special when it got to the finals.”

Phillips thanked the army of volunteers that helped run the event, which is expected to return in 2025 at a date to be finalised.

Bridport welcome volunteers for next year and can contact Phillips on 07341 828929 for more details.