FOOTBALL teams from former mining communities across Scotland took part in the Coalfields Community Cup at Alloa’s Indodrill Arena last month.

A whole host of sides descended on the Wee County on June 23 to compete for the chance to go to the City Football Academy where Manchester City train in the home internationals against England and Wales.

After numerous tightly-fought matches between 27 sides from various age ranges, Blues Brazil Boys came out on top in the male section while Hearts Girls triumphed in the female section.

The annual tournament is organised by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) which supports such local initiatives to improve the health and employment prospects of people in former mining areas.

The Coalfields Community Cup is made possible by the support of sponsors Marshalls Construction and the in-kind contribution by Alloa Athletic FC of the use of their stadium.

Scotland has won the Coalfields home internationals for the last two years and will be competing to hold onto the title. Last year’s Home Internationals tournament was hosted by Scotland at Kelty Hearts’ ground in Fife.

People from the local community supported the event, along with the friends and families of the players, in a toughly fought competition.

For 11 years, The Coalfields Home Football Internationals have been hosted by CRT, bringing mining communities together from Scotland, England and Wales to offer youngsters the chance to compete, make new friends and have fun.

Nicky Wilson, Coalfields Regeneration Trust Scottish trustee, said: “All the youngsters had a great day taking part in the Coalfields Community Cup and we would like to thank Alloa Athletic FC for hosting us and Marshalls Construction for their sponsorship.

“The winners and runners up are now looking forward to playing for their country at the world-famous City Football Academy in Manchester in August to try to bring the Coalfields Home Internationals cup back to Scotland for the third year in a row.”