HUNDREDS of children pulled on their football boots to take part in a community football day in Newport on the weekend.

The event, hosted by McDonald's, the Welsh FA and Rogerstone Rangers Junior Football Club, saw youngsters take to the field at Rogerstone Primary School.

Budding players from 90 teams across Gwent and South Wales were out to impress on 16 mini pitches, with scouts from Swansea City, Birmingham City and Cardiff City among those present.

Around 3,000 people attended the Football Association of Wales showcase event on Saturday.

Rogerstone Rangers FC secretary Jon Cox said: “The turn out on the day was fantastic and it shows that Newport has a real passion for football.

"I want to say thank you to all of the volunteers who put in so many hours to make the day a real success.

"Welsh football is on a real high at the moment and you can see how much the children are enjoying the game.”

The Community Football Day was part of McDonald’s community partnership with The FAW, which has been in place since 2002.

McDonald’s local franchisee Ron Mounsey was in attendance and said: “FAW Community Football days are a wonderful opportunity for local clubs to get involved in a really fun day that everyone can enjoy.

"Grassroots football is so important to this local community and it was great to see so many players take part.”

For more information on McDonald’s grassroots football programme, please visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/betterplay