A relatively modest event originally established three years ago by Papamoa Football Club to give under 8 girls a chance to enjoy a tournament experience has grown beyond all expectations.

The club's Cavius Junior Girls Tournament takes place this Sunday at Gordon Spratt reserve, with up to 500 players and coaches expected, not to mention the parents and supporters they will bring with them.

This year, in addition to the under 8 competition, the tournament has been enlarged to include divisions for under 10 and 12 grade teams, says Papamoa FC's Female Football Co-ordinator Sue Tilby.

'We are very excited to have some of the top teams from Waikato and Auckland travelling to compete,” she says. 'And we've had amazing support from all the local clubs such as Tauranga City, Otumoetai and Blue Rovers who have teams in nearly all grades.”

Sue credits the support of sponsors for helping the growth of the tournament.

'WaiBop Football, Cavius, Soccer Shop, Pak ‘n' Save Papamoa and Active Physio Papamoa have all come on board to help us make the day a success.

'We have WaiBop women's team players coming along - hopefully they'll play some 1 v 1 with the girls and sign some tops.”

The tournament was created three years ago as a celebration of girls' football and to grow as female participation in the game grows locally, nationally and globally.

It was to give girls an opportunity to play football and to experience a tournament when many had not had a chance to do so, says Sue.

'Now, with the girls' leagues growing, we are seeing support of girls divisions in many tournaments.

'After watching some of the girls' teams compete in the Waipuna under 10 tournament last Sunday it is incredibly exciting to see the progress of girls' football both in numbers and skill.

'It's evidence that girls' football is not only continuing to grow in all regions but here to stay and prosper. It's so positive to see them enjoying themselves as well as being competitive.”

The Papamoa Football Club Cavius Junior Girls Tournament is this Sunday August 26 at Gordon Spratt Reserve.