Matty Robson and Gary Liddle were the guests of honour at a football tournament held by Sport Universities North East England (SUNEE) on Monday afternoon.

The pair went along to present the winning teams with their trophies and proved a big hit with all in attendance.

The event, organised by SUNEE was an opportunity for children from all areas of the region to come together and battle it out in two categories - 11 - 16 year olds and 16 - 21 year olds, with Hartlepool running out winners in both age groups.  

SUNEE (Sport University Northeast England), is the organisation by which the five Universities across the northeast (Durham, Northumbria, Newcastle, Sunderland and Teesside) work together with a shared vision of engaging with the local community through sport and physical activity.

The programme aims to target four key areas, Homeless, Looked after Children, Local Schools and Volunteers; it therefore runs from a budget funded through HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England).

The budget is spread across the four and covers costs such as facility hire, transport, coaches and kit, the sessions are to provide the clients with increased self esteem, self worth, sportsmanship, team building and good health, all of which can be utilised for employment or simply reforming back into society.

SUNEE Sports Development Officer Emma Piercy was delighted with the players' involvement at the tournament,

"The day was a great success, and players turning up for the presentations was greatly appreciated by all.

"Once the presentation was finished the players hung around to chat with kids which went down extremely well."