KELLAND Park was again alive to the sound of youngsters enjoying rugby league as one of the first festivals of the year for under-sixes, sevens and eights teams in the area took place.

Teams from Millom, Barrow Island, Walney Central and Roose Pioneers joined hosts Dalton on the day for a series of games against other sides in the various age groups.

The festivals run on Sunday mornings between March and the end of September, with two clubs hosting most weeks and the occasional single-venue event throughout the season for all teams.

The format is non-competitive, with no scores being recorded from the games with the idea being to give children the opportunity to hone their skills and enjoy playing rugby league without the pressure of having to win games.

Added to that is the format of the games themselves, which see small-sided teams getting two sets in control of the ball, with every player on the team having a run before possession is handed over to their opponents.

Teams are divided into the three different age groups, although the festival format allows for players to play up one year.

There is also the opportunity for players to combine with those from other clubs if one team is short or has a surplus of players, thereby ensuring everyone gets a run-out rather than being left standing on the sidelines.

The season culminates in the teams taking part in the finals day at Craven Park, with the players getting the opportunity to run out on the same pitch as Barrow's professional players.

This Sunday sees all the clubs in the area back at Dalton for a single-venue festival, followed by Millom and Ulverston hosting festivals on Sunday, April 7.