THOUSANDS of pupils from across Glasgow tried out 14 sports at Scotland's largest youth games.

All the primary five, six and seven pupils across the city were invited to take part in the Glasgow Primary Youth Games, where they were joined by youngsters from Manchester's St John's Primary School.

Three top sporting venues were brimming with the stars of the future, with Scotstoun Stadium, the Glasgow Club Crownpoint Sports Complex and the Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena, all being used for the event.

The youngsters took part in 'come and try' sessions in sports ranging from gymnastics to table tennis, with every child receiving a kit bag, T-shirt and certificate for taking part.

Victoria Park was also overrun with children trying their hand at orienteering and rugby.

The event, which launched in 1996, aims to get more youngsters taking part in sports.

With just over a year to go until Glasgow hosts the 2014 Commonwealth Games and as the city prepares for its final presentation in its bid to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, the event plays a key role in getting children involved.

A separate games for secondary school pupils will take place on Friday, May 31.

Councillor Archie Grah-am, chairman of Glasgow Life and executive member of the Commonwealth Games, said: "This is a very exciting time for sport in Glasgow and it is important we capitalise on this and encourage future gener-ations to be more active.

"The Glasgow Youth Games continues to inspire the sports stars of the future and also engages children of all abilities by allowing them to experience just how much fun exercise can be.

"We are one of the world's top 10 sporting cities.

"That position has been built on a track-record of hosting world-class events like the 2014 Common-wealth Games and the 2018 Youth Olympic Games and on our commitment to providing sporting opport-unities for people of all ages. The Glasgow Youth Games is playing a key part in helping us in that regard."

The youth games are sponsored by Glasgow Airport.

Its managing director, Amanda McMillan, said: "Glasgow is a sporting city and we are proud of our long-standing association with the Glasgow Youth Games.

"Having sponsored the event for 10 years and watched it develop during that time, we know what it means to the competitors to be able to take part in such a prestigious event."

matty.sutton@eveningtimes.co.uk