FOOTBALL was yet again the winner on Sunday as more than 3,000 players and supporters arrived in Galashiels.

The biggest ever Live Borders Festival, which was sponsored by NFU Mutual Newtown St Boswells, featured almost 130 teams from across the region.

Sunday's celebration of the beautiful game also marked the 25th anniversary of the Cameron Gunn Memorial Trophy being contested.

Selkirk teenager Cameron died while playing the game he loved through a heart condition.

And ever since his parents, Kenneth and Wilma, have campaigned for life-saving defibrillators to be installed at sporting grounds across the country as well as heart screening for young sports stars.

A minute's appluase was observed ahead of this year's Scottish Borders Junior Football Association Under 15s final.

The Cameron Gunn Memorial Trophy was won by Hawick Youth, who beat Lauderdale 3-0.

In the other SBJFA finals Kelso beat Hawick 5-2 to lift the Under 13s Jack Gilchrist Cup.

The Under 14s Bruce Scott Memorial Trophy was won by Hawick following their 4-1 defeat of Gala.

And the Chris Doyle Memorial Trophy was won by Kelso Under 17s, whop beat Gala 2-0.

Behind the 3g Arena many of football's rising stars were taking part in their own finals with close to 1000 players, from six up to 17, taking part in matches.

Ewan Jackson, Chief Executive of Live Borders said: “We’re delighted that the Festival of Football continues to attract such high levels of participation and support from football enthusiasts throughout the Scottish Borders.

"The excitement of the SBJFA finals is infectious and it’s great to see the teams give their all”.

This year the event welcomed Fife Women’s team who played against Hawick based, Borders Women.

The Fifers won the tie and the enthusiasm of the players and spectators gave testament to the continued popularity of the woman’s game within the Scottish Borders.

Mr Jackson continued: “This festival plays a key role in encouraging people of all ages and sexes to play football.

"We are really excited to be supporting the development of the woman’s and girls’ game through the work our Scottish FA Development Officer. Watching both the woman’s and girls’ teams play at the Festival of Football is, in some respects, seeing this in action."

The Festival sponsors, NFU Mutual, have already agreed to continue supporting the event.

Richard Forsyth, senior partner agent and group secretary with NFU Mutual at Newtown St Boswells said: “It was great to see so many young boys and girls from all over the Borders enjoying a fun and friendly day of football.

"We are delighted to be sponsoring this event and look forward to furthering that relationship over the next two years”.