SOCCER teams from around the globe showed off their skills on the football pitch on Sunday when they bid for the Latino Gold Cup. But this was no ordinary contest ... the players from Haiti, Cuba and Bermuda among others were no taller than a few centimet

SOCCER teams from around the globe showed off their skills on the football pitch on Sunday when they bid for the Latino Gold Cup.

But this was no ordinary contest ... the players from Haiti, Cuba and Bermuda among others were no taller than a few centimetres and confined to the tabletop.

This was the grand summer tournament of the Ely City Subbuteo league, the biggest league in the country, celebrating the end of its season.

Players from the Flicking Marvellous league chose various countries to compete for the title and kits were hand-painted on to the tiny players.

The event was opened by Ely mayor, Cllr Ron Bradney, who played the game as a child.

Andrew Everitt, founder of Flicking Marvellous, dressed in bandana and surf shorts for the occasion while many other players donned their team colours.

"It was great to see so many people joining in with the spirit of the occasion," said Andrew.

After 39 games, numerous goals and many contentious decisions, the cup was won by Witchford player Scott Install, who beat Cambridge finalist Johnny Upton 6-5.

The event was captured on film which will be made into a DVD documentary of the day.

In a few months, 12 of the most popular players, chosen by wives, girlfriends and fans, will remove their kits for a charity calendar.