THE third international Youth Soccer Festival is to be held in Ashford from August 1-4. Age groups will be Under-12, 14, 16 and 19 plus a competition for girls Under-12 and under-14.

New in 2002 will be an Open group. The qualifying matches will be played at Ashford Hockey Club in Ball Lane from August 1-3 with the final game on the Sunday at Homelands Stadium.

Festival organiser Nigel Martin said: "This is an ideal early season competition for Kent's clubs and with recent increased media interest in girl's football, clubs are urged to book a place as soon as possible."

Teams from Ghana, Nigeria and Finland will provide an international flavour.

On August 3 the Kent Youth Association will be holding its annual five a side football tournament at the festival, providing an extra attraction at the competition.

For more information ring Mr Martin on 020 8289 9595, em-mail him on nigel@hospitalityline.co.uk or visit the website www.hospitalityline.co.uk/soccer