APPLEY Beach welcomed more than 320 children to the sand for a beach soccer tournament.

Saturday, July 6, saw the Under 8s and Under 11s championships fought out in front of hundreds of supporters in the glorious sunshine.

Newly-formed Solent Rangers were crowned eventual winners of the Under 11s, beating Gurnard in the final, while Downside were victorious in the Under 8s in a well-fought battle with Vectis.

Sunday, July 7, brought the rain but spirits weren’t dampened at one of beach soccer's busiest youth events of the year.

The youngest age group saw competitors take part in the Under 7s championships, and for many of them, it was their first taste of the sport.

Despite a huge effort put in by all, Bembridge took the title after beating Vectis 2-1 in the final.

The Under 12s welcomed three mainland teams and saw semi-finalists Sandown Eagles, Brading Devils and two sides from visiting Alton Town battle it out for spots in the final.

After two intense, closely-fought games, Alton Town were joined by Brading Devils in a thrilling final which saw the Island team crowned winners in a 9-4 victory.

There was great support from both sides despite the wet weather.

A spokesperson said: "We are looking forward to our next event which sees children in the Under 9s and Under 10s age groups competing on Saturday, July 20, in what has been a brilliant summer so far for the Isle of Wight Beach Soccer Association.

"More than 1,000 competitors took part in our events this season.

"We are committed to helping grow the game and are pleased that so many local children are participating in and enjoying beach soccer at Appley."

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