The Scottish Borders Junior Football Association (SBJFA) Festival of Football in partnership with Live Borders and the Scottish FA will return after a two-year-absence on Sunday May 29 at Netherdale in Galashiels.

Over 120 teams are expected to participate in the event, which will feature matches for girls and boys aged from five to thirteen.

In total between competitors and spectators, over 2000 people are expected to attend.

The South East Girls Festival for players age five to ten will also be part of the Festival for the first time, with girl’s teams coming from across the South East along with teams from Lauderdale, Melrose, Chirnside, Coldstream, Gala Fairydean Rovers and Leithen Vale participating.

This year’s event continues the partnership with the SBJFA and Live Borders, the Scottish FA and Scottish Borders Council.

The annual event is a thank you as well as a celebration of the fantastic work done by football clubs throughout the region.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Live Borders said:“This event has gone from strength to strength and is now the largest Football Festival of its kind in Scotland. Each year new elements have been added and it represents a fabulous showcase of football at all levels with fun, fitness and competition clear to see in every game.”

Participating teams at this year’s event come from across the region and will include Ancrum, Chirnside, Coldstream, Duns, Earlston, Eyemouth, Gala Fairydean Rovers, Hawick Youth, Kelso, Lauderdale, Leithen Vale, Linton Hotspur Colts, Melrose, Peebles, Selkirk and Tweedbank Thistle Junior Football Club.

Drew Kelly Scottish FA Football Development Officer confirmed that this year’s event, the first since COVID, has a significant addition.

“This year we have added the Scottish FA South East Girls festival to the main event, which is a reflection on how much the Girls game is growing in the Scottish Borders.

“We are giving every participating girl a free ticket for the SWF Scottish Cup Final at Tyncastle later in the day which is why we are kicking this part of the festival earlier at 10:00.”

Brian Smith SBJFA chair added:“We are delighted to be able to bring back the Football Festival which was a sad miss for all the players the past couple of years. It brings together youngsters from all parts of the Borders, to play football and have a great day out. We hope that the event is a huge success and look forward to seeing everyone back again.”

The SBJFA Football Festival, supported by Live Borders and the Scottish FA will take place on Sunday May 29 at Netherdale, Galashiels. SWF/SFA South East girls section kicks-off at 10:00am with SBJFA Football Festival matches from 12:30 onwards. Spectators are welcome.