A new initiative that aims to provide young people in Bath & North East Somerset with something affordable to do during the summer holidays has been hailed as a success.

The Somer Football League – a five-a-side competition sponsored by Somer Community Housing Trust – kicked off with more than 60 young people taking part and will run every Wednesday until the beginning of September. It could continue into the football season if the level of interest remains high.

The league is open to boys and girls of all ages regardless of ability.

Jo Bellotti, community initiatives officer at Somer, said: "It's fantastic to see such a great turnout of young people. We have had interest from across Bath & North East Somerset so we are hoping for participation in the tournament to grow.

"School holidays can be an expensive time for many people and this is one way in which the Trust can support affordable activities for young people on our estates.

"The Somer Football League's success is thanks to the tireless efforts of Ron Hill, who has put in hours and hours of his own time. We are also pleased to be working in partnership with Southside Youth Centre which will enable the young people to gain accreditation for taking part."

Walcot Wanderers, whose under-17 side are taking part in the Somer League, are looking to enter a Saturday side in the Bath & District League in 2011-12.

The club – which, as well as the youth side, currently fields two Sunday teams – is also in the process of applying for FA Charter Standard status.

And welfare officer Ron Hill believes the progress of one of his assistant coaches, Ali Wright, sums up the Wanderers' ethos.

Hill said: "We set up football sessions in Larkhall to tackle anti-social behaviour and give the kids there something to do.

"Ali was one of the first to come to us as a 13 year old and is now 20 and we've helped him get his FA Level 2 coaching award and a Level 2 in fitness instructing.

"We want to provide opportunities, be it for coaches, referees or players, who we can help get into academies."

Anyone interested in joining Walcot Wanderers or joining in with open training sessions at St Mark's School can contact Ron Hill on 07858 846680.