THE Gloucester Juniors Touch Football Association season is now underway, with an eager crowd of boys and girls flocking to the Thursday afternoon sessions.

This season the Association has four mixed mini teams, four junior girls teams, four junior boys teams, and four senior teams.

“We have a great turn-out this season,” said Club President David Kemp.

Junior teams play on a pitch about 70 metres in length, while the minis play on about half that size.

Each team fields six players at any time.

Junior play Hazel Sweeny told News Of The Area, “I wanted to play because most of my friends are playing, and it’s a good way to keep fit.”

Older and younger players are mixed together in each team.

Year 2 student Holly Goldsmith enjoys this approach.

“I like how I play with people who are older and better,” she said.

“It means I am learning more about the game.”

Senior players referee the games, giving instructions and assistance to younger players.

“It’s a pretty easy game to pick up, but it’s also really good exercise; you don’t realise how much you’re running until you’ve finished,” said senior player Lara Kemp.

“I also love the community atmosphere when everyone is here playing.”

By Wendy BUSWELL