The three-day Launceston Tournament is in its 29^th year and boasts a record entry of 80 teams totalling about 1200 players aged from under-nine to under-16.

The Northern Tasmanian Junior Soccer Association's Churchill Park headquarters will be at full capacity so the tournament will also spread out into Launceston Church Grammar School's Faulkner Park.

NTJSA committee member Dale Rigby has helped organise many of the tournaments which have been enjoyed by thousands of young players and helped produce many senior players.

"It's very important for the development of young players," he said.

"They really like these competitive tournaments. During the season they play the same regular teams each week so to pitch themselves against other teams is really good for their development."

The tournament has received strong support from local clubs Launceston United, City, Riverside, Northern Rangers and Southern Raiders plus strong representation from across the South and North-West.

Five of the six teams travelling from NSW and Victoria to take part are girls' teams which Rigby said is a rapidly growing area for the game, particularly in under-14 and under-16 age groups.

"Our NTJSA rep teams are also taking part with four or five leaving a week later for mainland tournaments so it's a good hitout for them before they go away," Rigby added.

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