THE Redlands FC Indoor Football Tournament for five to seven-year-olds, sponsored by Advoco and McDonald’s Weymouth, enjoyed a fantastic 10 weeks of action, which culminated in finals night.

Almost 40 youngsters of all abilities started out and by the end all had progressed into competent footballers, with several outstanding young players being discovered by the host club.

After the children had played 45 games over the first nine weeks, it was the Liverpool team that topped the table.

They and second-placed Arsenal had a bye into the semi-finals.

In the play-offs, Manchester City beat Chelsea on penalties and then Tottenham Hotspur put out Manchester United.

Liverpool overcame Spurs in the semis and and then Manchester City defeated second favourites Arsenal to reach the final.

In a pulsating contest in front of a large crowd of parents and fellow youngsters, Liverpool edged out Manchester City 3-2 to be crowned tournament champions.

Redlands FC chairman and organiser Tim Davis said: “The tournament was brilliant from start to finish and the kids were a credit.

“We have discovered lots of kids who now want to sign for Redlands FC which is great for the future.

“It never ceases to amaze me that some talented kids slip through the net and one child in particular is as good as I have seen for a long time in this area in his age group.”

Due to popular demand, Redlands FC’s next indoor tournament has already got underway.

The six teams competing, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs, had their full complement of players for the opening round of games.

The action was fast and furious as Liverpool started strongly, but after each of the teams had played five matches it was Spurs who sat proudly at the top of the table.

Each side will play 45 matches over the first nine weeks of the event before the grand final.