Around 200 footballers with a disability took part in a tournament in Cwmbran.
The day was organised by Llanyrafon FC who set up their own disability football team last summer– the first in Cwmbran.
It took place on Sunday 1 March 2025.
Club coach Marcus Hall told Cwmbran Life: “We’ve had teams from all over south Wales.”
Clubs run several ability-based teams, all mixed genders, in three categories; Champions League, Premiership, and Championship. They also run an under 16s side.
He said: “It was very competitive, nine-minute games, seven-a-side. In the last game, everyone just went on and had a kickabout. It’s just about the enjoyment of it all.
“It’s been an amazing day. The weather has been great for it as well. They’ve been outstanding, especially the Championship team. I’ve got kids stepping up from 16, 17-year-olds playing against fully-grown 30 to 40-year-old men.
‘Outstanding’
“They held their own. They did absolutely outstanding today, outstanding.
“I can’t speak on behalf of other teams but my teams were smiles all around, love it.
“They keep on coming up to me going ‘when’s the next tournament? When are we playing? Can we have another one down here?’.
“And yes, we are having another tournament down here in May. Brilliant. It’s been amazing today.”
Volunteers from Llanyrafon FC arrived on the pitches at 8am to set up ready for hundreds of players along with their coaches, family and friends to arrive.
The Cwmbran-side has players aged from from 12 to early 40s. Many of the players started training with a team in Tranch. During the summer last year, the team moved to come under Llanyrafon FC.