EVERTON FC manager David Moyes has thrown his support behind the UK’s biggest international youth football tournament which launches in Merseyside this week.

More than 3,000 young players aged between seven and 18 from around the globe will take part in the Liverpool Knowsley International Youth Soccer Tournament.

Held at the Liverpool University Sports Ground in Allerton, young footballers and their families from China to the USA will battle out to reach the Sunday final.

The Everton chief said: “Youth football is something that is very close to my heart and I know the value of good, well-organised tournaments.

“A lot of work goes into competitions such as this and the number of teams taking part this year is a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication behind this one. I am sure everyone involved will enjoy it.”

The competition was established in 1996 and, sponsored by The Football Pools Trust, has grown into the UK’s biggest international youth football tournament with teams from South Africa, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Germany, France and all across United Kingdom.

The highlight of the social week will be the Football Fiesta which, supported by Liverpool 08, will be an exciting performance of arts, theatre and dance held at Liverpool University’s Carnatic Halls of Residence.

The Football Fiesta will be used to officially open the 2008 Tournament on Tuesday.

Matches begin at 10am every day. Last games start at 6pm. Semi-finals and finals will be played on Sunday, August 3.

Eddie Connor, cabinet member for leisure and culture at Knowsley Council, said: “What a fantastic opportunity to show people all from over the world what Merseyside and indeed Liverpool has to offer.”

During the week, the young players will be treated to Liverpool FC and Everton FC stadium tours and other visits.

Since 1996, the event has attracted over 5,000 residential visitors to Merseyside, including 35,000 bed nights, and resulted in an estimated £1.6m being spent in the region.

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