HUNDREDS of young football fanatics have been praised for packing out three Inverclyde venues to hone their football skills at top-class training camps.

Boys and girls aged four to 15 turned out in their droves for the hugely-popular Greenock Morton Community Trust (GMCT) October school holiday sessions at Inverclyde Academy, Port Glasgow Community Campus and Wemyss Bay Primary.

And after a week of graft on the pitch, the youngsters were the guests of honour at Cappielow to watch the Morton first team stars in action against Ayr United.

The scoreline turned out to be a disappointing 1-0 defeat for the home side, but it did not take away from what was a fantastic week for the youngsters.

Brian McLaughlin, the trust’s new community engagement manager, praised all the young players.

He said: “I would also like to thank all the community coaches and volunteers for making this week a success and keeping the kids entertained, as well as teaching them new skills.

“All the youngsters were all given a free match voucher to join us at the Morton versus Ayr match as an extra thank you for attending the camps.” At the match, Ton mascot Cappie the Cat proved popular taking time to ‘high five’ the special guests and handed out sweets courtesy of Greenock-based confectionery company Golden Casket.

Karen Welsh, GMCT PR and fundraising manager, said: “At half-time some of the children also got the chance to play on the pitch. Thanks once again to our groundsman, Mark Farrell.

“We are delighted that everyone had a great afternoon and for some of the kids it’s their first experience of football match.

“We hope that these kids come back again and continue to support their local team.

“One last thank you goes to the first team players who visited our camps on the last day, meeting the children who were attending.” The October camps are delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association (SFA), Inverclyde Leisure and Active Schools/Sports Development.

Stuart Rafferty, SFA development officer, said: “It’s great to see the kids of Inverclyde keeping active over the school holidays and by offering the choice of three venues, it makes it easier for more children from all areas to attend.” For more information and to book places visit www.mortoncommunity.net or call the community trust office between 10am and 4pm on 731949.

See today's Tele for full pictures.