Emma Knights For many youngsters the chance to play at Carrow Road is the stuff of dreams, but on Wednesday scores of budding young footballers took to the pitch for a special tournament.

Emma Knights

For many youngsters the chance to play at Carrow Road is the stuff of dreams, but on Wednesday scores of budding young footballers took to the pitch for a special tournament.

Sixteen teams from schools from Norfolk and north Suffolk took part in the Flybe Community Cup at Norwich City Football Club, which was supported by the Eastern Daily Press.

And following a day of action-packed matches it was Blofield Primary School which claimed the cup.

The team beat Sheringham Primary School in an exciting final. It was 1-1 at the end of the game but after no golden goal in extra time Blofield won on penalties.

Freddy Kemp, eight, who played for Blofield and wants to be a professional footballer when he is older, said: “I am a big Norwich City fan and it was really exciting to play at Carrow Road.”

His team mate Matthew Scoular, nine, said: “I was really proud when we won the tournament, and I want to say well done to everyone.”

The aim of the six-a-side event was to encourage children and their families to get active, and the teams were chosen to take part after explaining how their school promotes healthy living.

About 140 children from years three and four took part in the event.

As well as the tournament the youngsters had a tour of the grounds and coaching sessions by the Football in the Community team.

Norwich City footballers Lee Croft and Adam Drury also handed out the tournament prizes along with Flybe's general manager Ian Taylor.

Blofield Primary School received £750 from Flybe to put towards sports and activity equipment. Runners up Sheringham Primary School were awarded £250.

Mr Taylor said: “It is great to be involved in community activities with the football club and to give these youngsters the chance to play at Carrow Road - and maybe one day some of them will play at Carrow Road professionally.”

Tournament organiser Darren Lovell said: “The day was brilliant. The youngsters have been really enthusiastic and it has been a great opportunity for them. They have had a really good day.”

Sam Greenfield, from Norwich City Football Club, said: “It is great that along with Flybe we can provide an event like this for the local community.”