Swansea versus Cardiff games are among the UK's most passionate

Both clubs have teamed up to organise exchange visits between youngsters in the respective cities aimed at breaking down hostilities between the rival fans.

Boys and girls aged 13 and 14 from Swansea travelled to Cardiff for a friendly football match and coaching followed by lunch together and an afternoon of activities.

Cardiff youngsters recently made the return journey.

Friendships have been made and police are praising the initiative which they say is an imaginative way of tackling crowd trouble.

In the past we had a lot of trouble between Cardiff and Swansea and we just thought it was a good way to break new ground with the youngsters Cardiff City AFC community officer Derek Brazil

Derby matches between Swansea and Cardiff are among the most passionate in the UK but have often been accompanied by hooliganism.

Chief Superintendent Mel Jehu is in charge of policing in Swansea.

"This is an excellent example of partnership in action and it has my full support," he said.

"In the short term it will foster relationships between the young fans but in the longer term it will improve relationships between the communities and the supporters."

Both clubs received a grant from the Millennium Trust for the scheme which was tried for the first time this year.

Cardiff City community officer Derek Brazil said it was now the intention of the clubs to make the exchange visits a permanent fixture.

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"It's the first initiative we've done like this under the umbrella of both clubs," he said.

"The boys and girls from Swansea came here and there was a joint coaching session.

"They sat down and had lunch together and played table tennis and went bowling in the afternoon.

"Then we made the return visit to Swansea.

"In the past we have had a lot of trouble between Cardiff and Swansea and we just thought it was a good way to break new ground with the youngsters.

"At the age of 14 they are sometimes influenced by the older supporters.

"We just wanted to show them whether they are from Cardiff or Swansea the other boys and girls are just like them.