The Ashram's Angels team with Aston Villa's Juan Pablo Angel and 1Xtra DJ Mista Jam

Cheered on by Villa legend Ian Taylor and striker Juan-Pablo Angel, teams of 16 to 25-year-olds drawn from local community groups competed for a place in the national final in Newcastle in May.

Competitors included ex-offenders and those with learning disabilities.

The men's final was keenly contested, with PPG beating BRO-SIS in a sudden-death penalty shoot-out.

Both teams will get the chance to compete again in the finals as BRO-SIS were awarded the fair play prize.

WMSO1, from the Leamington Spa Special Olympics learning disabilities team, won the women's event.

The fair play prize went to Ashram's Angels, who will also be in Newcastle for the finals.

VENUES/DATES 12 March: Newcastle 18 March: Manchester 26 March: Liverpool 1 April: Sheffield 5-6 April: London 8 April: Solent 14 May: Final, Newcastle

All the teams had the chance to find out about training opportunities in football and the media, including Radio 5 Live commentary, 1Xtra, BBC Recruitment and FA Coaching and Refereeing Courses.

Your Game is a partnership between the BBC, the Football Association, the Premier League, Kick it Out, the Football Foundation, Street League and the Professional Footballers' Association.

The invitational tournament is designed to provide new opportunities for young people, and teams have been selected from a range of youth and community groups.

It is hoped the event will encourage those who take part to eventually join teams affiliated to the FA.

PPG players savour their victory

The next round of qualifiers will take place on Sunday 12 March at the Newcastle United Academy.

Other regional events are set for Newcastle, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, Birmingham, Portsmouth/Southampton and London.

The final will take place at Newcastle's St James' Park ground on 14 May.

Sports minister Richard Caborn believes the project has the ability to reach those who need help the most.

BBC Birmingham report: Your Game kicks off

"One thing football hasn't quite got right is getting into inner-city areas and reaching disadvantaged groups," he said.

"When we launched this project we saw youngsters who, quite literally, have been rescued by football.

"If we can save people through the medium of football, then 'the great game' will truly be a great game."

BRO-SIS team member Terence Wallen said the tournament had already had a positive effect on the players.

Your Game players share their experiences

"You've got gang members who hate each other, but are now down here playing competitive football, and shaking hands at the end of a match," he said.

So far 100 different community groups have signed up for the initiative, which it is hoped will become an annual event.