BUDMOUTH Sports Centre will play host to a new five-a-side league that kicks off later this month.

The community league, which is affiliated with the Football Association, gets underway on July 29 and is looking for teams to enter.

Former England non-League captain Craig Stanley, who was part of Morecambe's promotion-winning team last season, is supporting the league and has been impressed with the Play5aside Leagues he has seen so far.

He said: "They seem to be very well organised and certainly great fun for everyone involved. Small-sided football is something I played a lot of as a youngster.

"You get so many more touches of the ball in small-sided matches compared to 11-a-side so it helps to improve your touch, passing and all round fitness.

"If the league can help to get people out of their armchairs and into regular exercise then it has to be a good thing."

There are no registration fees to pay, just match costs of under £3 per player a week.

The matches, which will run every Monday evening and last 30 minutes each, will be officiated by qualified referees. All equipment will be provided so it's simply a case of turning up.

Anyone over the age of 16 can enter and of any ability you do not need to be an organised or established team, you may simply be a group of friends, work colleagues or just mates from the pub Anyone interested in taking part can either contact the league organiser, Paul Spacey, on 07882 366983 for more information or teams can register online at www.play5aside.com. Spaces are limited and will be given on a first come, first served basis.