Football-mad youngsters were in awe as they got the chance to meet their Carlisle United heroes and watch what goes on behind the scenes.

Hundreds of families enjoyed the Summer Open Day at Brunton Park today, which featured football-themed games, a fun fair and the chance to watch a full training session.

Onlookers lined the sides of United's training pitch for the main attraction of the day as Keith Curle put the players through their paces.

Ahead of the training session fans got the chance to get selfies with the players as well as their autographs.

“The highlight is always the opportunity everyone gets to meet the players," said finance director Suzanne Kidd.

"[The open day] is an established part of the Cumbrian calendar now and I know everyone at the club looks forward to meeting everyone and to putting on what is always a very well received event.”

Kitted out in their football strips, children queued to take their turn at speed shooting, head tennis and football tennis hosted by the Community Sports Trust and the CUFC Ladies Team.

Ladies' team manager Tracy Gannon and players Georgia Smethurst and first team players Emma Blenkinship and Cally Martin, gave any girls who took part the chance to get a photo with Cumberland FA Women’s County Cup.

"It gives an opportunity for the girls who come down to support the men's team to see that they can actually play for the club," said Tracy.

"The girls love joining in and helping out when we can. [The open day] is all the departments coming together before the season starts."

"It's a good event to show what we do in the community and not just in the stadium."

Sian Henderson, who celebrated her eighth birthday at the open day, was among those who got a flavour of what women's team is all about.

The Kirkpatrick Fleming Primary School pupil, who has played for Gretna for six months, had taken her turn at speed shooting before her moment of fame with the cup.

She said she would love to go on to become a professional footballer.

Her friend Xavier Besonbes (CORR), eight, who plays for Mid-Annandale, aid: "I enjoyed the penalty bit and looking at the bus."

Rob Bell, 32, of Dearham, had taken his five-year-old son Alex along for the day.

"It's great. Just getting to meet the players and the managers is pretty good," he said.

Hayley Brown and her partner Paul Lowry, of Belle Vue, made the most of the day out with their daughters Sofia, four, and 15-month-old Georgia.

Hayley, 33, said: "We used to live in the flats next to Carlisle United and we come every time they have events.

"Anything with fairs is good for kids. My daughter always wants to come.

"It's just supporting the team as well."