Youngsters have been battling for glory on the pitch at a recent football tournament.
Teams from Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taff took part in the Kickjam 2009 five-a-side competition at Ystrad Mynach.
The event was set up in 2007 by Antony Bolter, the manager of Caerphilly Fast Forward, a council-run unit that provides services for young people excluded from mainstream education and support for adults seeking employment.
Sixteen teams of 14 to 19-year-olds took to the field for the event.
There were three teams from Caerphilly Fast Forward, three from SYDIC (Senghenydd Youth Drop in Centre) in Senghenydd, two from Valleys Kids in Porth, two from Tylorstown, two from Glyncoch and one each from PMP Youth from Perthcelyn, Ynysybwl Police, Promoting Independence and Hengoed.
The final result was decided on penalties after a close but goalless match between Tylorstown and SYDIC with SYDIC triumphing 2-1 following spot-kicks.
Third place was clinched by Glyncoch 1, who beat Hengoed Boys 2-0 in the play off.
Mr Bolter said: “I’d like to congratulate the Senghenydd boys on their victory, especially as all the teams involved were of such a high standard.
“The day was a huge success and I’d like to thank everyone for their continued support and I’m sure this event will go from strength to strength in the future.”
Councillor John Evans, the mayor of Caerphilly county borough, presented plaques to the winning teams.
A special award for outstanding teamwork was presented to the Promoting Independence team from Trinity Fields School in Ystrad Mynach.
