A TEAM of determined young footballers got a special message from a famous face before a sporting trip to Blackpool.

Morton in the Community 2012s travelled down to the Fleetwood Town FC Youth Football Festival last weekend to play against youngsters from all over the UK.

Before they left Cappielow on the bus, Morton boss Dougie Imrie took time to send them a special message.

Dougie recorded a video wishing the boys all the best in the tournament, urging the youngsters to 'give it your all and enjoy'.

A total of 20 children and 40 adults travelled down to Blackpool.

The trip was made possible thanks to a sterling fundraising effort by the community, supported by the players' friends and family.

Coach Paul Hamill has thanked everyone who made it possible.

Paul said: "We did a lot of fundraising in a really short space of time and had so much support.

"It was great to see.

"Everyone really pulled together to make sure it would be a really special trip for all of us.

"We wanted them to have the best weekend possible."

The team collected money for the tourney trip by selling football cards and hosting a race night, among other fundraising activities.

Coach Craig Scott said the trip wasn't just about the matches they played.

He said: "This is about them developing their skills in football but also developing their social skills as well.

"They're a great wee bunch of players and they've known each other for the best part of five years.

"They had a great time."