DORCHESTER Town are gearing up to host the return of the Magpies Football Festival at the Avenue Stadium this weekend.

Last year the popular event was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic but Magpies’ officials are now set to welcome its comeback.

Teams of boys and girls aged seven to 16 will compete in six-a-side games this Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27. Play begins from 8.30am on both days.

Dozens of clubs are expected to take part, with numerous Dorchester sides competing against teams from Dorset and neighbouring towns, including Taunton.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” tournament architect and Magpies’ director Cameron Dabbs told Echosport.

“We’re a community club, we benefit a lot of youth teams in Dorchester through our facilities and allowing them to use them.

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“It’s a great opportunity to showcase our venue and what we do.

“It wasn’t difficult to attract teams because there’s not many tournaments happening. We’ve got a bigger pool.

“The teams are a lot more local than what we planned for 12 months ago. Last year’s was cancelled.

“Currently, grassroots (football) is allowed to continue and we’ve almost got a Dorch team in every category.

“In some cases, there are two or three Dorchester teams in the same category.

“Current to grassroots rules, parents are allowed to watch.

“We’ve broken it down into different sessions so there’s not as many people there, just to be extra safe.”