Sixty-four teams made up of club followers, and eight teams of "veterans" – including one from Leeds – are taking part in the tournament hosted at Leeds University's Bodington Hall.

The annual tournament is the 12th to be organised by the Internet Football Association (IFA) which was launched by fans in 1996.

In the early 1990s soccer fans began using the internet to get in touch with each other and exchange information.

In 1995 a group staged the first internet-organised soccer tournament.
It involved two teams – Leeds Lards and the Internet Hotspurs.
There was a crowd of just 12.

The following year the fans launched the Internet Football Association – and the annnual WorldNET football tournament.

International

Now the annual event has grown out of all recognition, with 64 fans' teams and eight veterans' teams, involving 800 to 1,000 participants.
The teams include fans from many league teams in Yorkshire, and also from the Scottish League.

There are even teams from abroad – from RC Lens in France, plus a contingent of Arsenal fans from Nigeria.

The first tournament was held in Nottingham.

In following years there were various venues, but since 2000 the regular venue has been Leeds University's Bodington Hall.

The University's Assistant Director of Sport, Sue Jacklin, said: "They have been coming to Leeds since 2000.

"Previous to that it was hosted at various places throughout the country, but as it grew bigger they struggled to find places with the number of pitches they needed.

"What they need is 10 to 12 pitches. We are able to provide that at this time of year, and we have the accomodation immediately adjacent to the pitches.

"It is a very successful event. I know they have teams coming from France to play.

Cup

"The tournament is always played in a good spirit."

The main tournament involves 16 groups of four teams playing today, with the top two sides from each group going through to the next round, a straight knock-out played tomorrow for 'The Cup'.

The bottom two teams from each group play for 'The Plate'.

For more details see the website at WorldNET or email info@boocock.net.