Junior players in action during a WaiBOP football tournament in Hamilton earlier this month. This weekend Rotorua will host a tournament of its own. Photo / Supplied
Junior players in action during a WaiBOP football tournament in Hamilton earlier this month. This weekend Rotorua will host a tournament of its own. Photo / Supplied
The McDonald's Rotorua Junior Football Tournament, at Puarenga Park, has attracted seventh to 12th grade teams from Rotorua, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Tokoroa.
WaiBOP Football futsal and events co-ordinator Brayden Lissington said the tournament was being held to celebrate another action-packed winter of junior football.
The tournament will have afestival feel and, alongside the football, there will be a McDonald's inflatable pitch on site for the day, giveaways and food available for families.
"[The tournament format] is different for each age group, the aim of the day is for teams to play as many games as they can," Lissington said.
"There will be finals at the end of the day but that's not the emphasis, it's more around an opportunity to play some football against some new teams. Hopefully it's just a good, fun day in the sun, celebrating the season that's been."
Rob and Linley Parry, owners of McDonald's Rotorua and sponsors of the event, said they were looking forward to the tournament.
"This is a new event that matches our passion for sport with our passion for the Rotorua area," said Linley.
"It's actually quite exciting to be in on the ground floor with something fresh and with so much potential. Given the amount of teams entered it gives the players a full day of sport and it will also bring lots of people to our great city for the day."
