NEWPORT County players and fans gathered at a cinema in Newport this evening to see the launch of their team’s first appearance on a hugely popular video game.

From midnight, Exiles fans will be able to see their team compete against the very best in the world as the club makes it long-awaited debut on this year’s computer game franchise FIFA 14.

A FIFA tournament between 32 teams of fans was played at Cineworld multiplex cinemas in Spytty Retail Park where many of County’s first team players turned up to see themselves in action on the big screen.

County are included in this year’s version, FIFA 14, for the first time following their recent promotion to the English Football League.

County and a few Newport Gwent Dragons players, including Lion Toby Faletau, sat among their fans in Screen Six as teams battled it out, with the money raised from the event going to charity.

Freestyler Abbas Farid also showcased some of his skills in front of the cinema screen before the tournament kicked off.

County’s Ismail Yakubu said the occasion marked the club’s recent success on the field.

He said: “It’s a big occasion for the fans and for the club for all the hard work we did last season. It’s a bit of banter with friends and family so they can crack jokes.

“I have been on it myself but you go back a long time when I was with Barnet. And it gives me a chance to improve my stats a bit.”

Andrew Hughes said: “I’ve always played FIFA ever since I was young. It’s good for the club media wise as well.

“It’s good for us and the fans to be able to play career mode and go through the fixtures as they are this season.”

Jordan McCarthy, 15, from Newport, said: “It’s brilliant – a once in a lifetime thing. It’s great that the money is going for charity as well.”

Money raised from the event will go towards County’s associated charity Dreams and Wishes, and the Children’s Hospice.

Meirion John, one of the event organisers at Newport Cinema, said: “It is one of the biggest games of the year and with it being County’s first year on the game, we thought we should do something.

“This is the first one we’ve done and all the money raised will be going to charity. We’re hoping to do a few more in the future.”