Kevin Gallacher with the men's winners Walker Central

Former Newcastle players Peter Beardsley and Kevin Gallacher were among the gathered guests of honour, passing on their advice to more than 130 young men and women from youth and community groups in the north east.

Eighteen teams were undeterred by heavy snow and arrived by whatever means of transport they could find for the chance to play at the final at St James' Park on 14 May.

The Soccer for Peace team, a project working with refugees, asylum seekers and the homeless, had made the 100-mile journey down through blizzards from Edinburgh.

The women's title was won by the Football Divas, a group from the Westgate BME Organisation.

The Defenders, formed from the local Barnados base, earned the fair play award and will join the Divas at the final.

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

"I didn't know what to expect but I didn't think everyone would be so friendly. Everyone has been great," said one of the Defenders.

The winners of the fiercely competitive men's tournament were the Walker Central Community Team.

The group uses sport to engage the community and promote the inclusion and protection of vulnerable young people.

It was also responsible for spotting Premiership stars Lee Clark and Shola Ameobi.

Toonski, a group formed in the Westgate area of Newcastle, won the men's fair play award.

BBC Look North: Your Game in Newcastle

Although temperatures outside remained below freezing all day, it did not dampen the enthusiasm for football and the activities provided by BBC Newcastle, BBC Sport, 1Xtra and local community groups.

Newcastle City Council Sports Development team organised skills challenges, and Newcastle United Football in the Community held a hardest kick competition, with signed footballs as the prizes.

BBC 1Xtra's Dev gave the groups the chance to practise their mixing on professional decks, and BBC Sport ran a sports commentary competition under the guidance of Five Live commentator Ian Dennis.

The regional FA was also on hand to offer free courses for people interested in a career in coaching or refereeing.

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.