Call for more local cream at Milk Cup

Three weeks ago, Cllr Kennedy launched a hard-hitting attack on the festival of football when it emerged no players from the borough were included in the County Antrim squads.

Back then Cllr Kennedy said the Milk Cup has got too big for local youngsters to have any real chance of taking part.

This caused him to question the substantial cash injection made by Ballymoney council to the Milk Cup each year.

Over the past two years the council has handed over a total of 30,000 to the organisers of the event and this year - after wrangling among councillors - pledged 10,000.

Speaking last month, Mr Kennedy said another growing soccer tournament - the Foyle Cup - helps bring along young players like from places like Ballymoney and Stranocum but he said there was "no chance" of getting local youngsters to play in the Milk Cup because of the calibre of players now on that stage.

He also wanted consideration to be given as to how beneficial the Milk Cup actually is to the borough of Ballymoney.

Cllr Kennedy - well known in the motorcycling world where he is Clerk of the Course at the Armoy Road Races - said: "I don't see the benefits to Ballymoney of 10,000 going to the Milk Cup. I am in favour of the tournament but in economic terms there is no benefit to Ballymoney. That kind of money should be given to events like the NW200 which does benefit the area financially."

Cllr Kennedy's forthright views sparked lively debate throughout Ballymoney on the pros and cons of the tournament locally.

Mr Kennedy's views found favour among numerous figures involved in grassroots football in the borough.

And at a Milk Cup reception in the Town Hall last Tuesday evening, the UUP man repeated his call for more Ballymoney-based youths to feature at the competition in the future.

Cllr Kennedy told guests: "The Milk Cup is well established in the calendar events in the North Coast region as an important international event.

"The tournament draws teams from all continents and attracts positive media coverage to the region and to Northern Ireland.

"It also plays an important role in developing youth football.

"While it is wonderful to see the array of foreign talent on the various pitches used during the Milk Cup, it is a pity that this means that many local youngsters are no longer able to demonstrate their skills on the same stage.

"I would encourage the organisers to consider ways that this might be done in future competitions so that our local youth can be more than spectators at this prestigious event."

He added: "I want to thank a number of people who contribute to making this event the success that it is.

"Thanks to the Milk Cup Chairman, Victor Leonard, and all those involved in the organisation of the event for their enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment.

"I recognise the valuable contribution of the event sponsors.

"Welcome tonight to William Hanna, Chairman of the Dairy Council, the main sponsors of the event.

"Without business sponsorship events such as this would be very difficult, if not impossible, to promote.

"The sponsors associated with the event deserve particular thanks for their commitment in what we know are very difficult economic times for business.

"My council is delighted to be associated with the Milk Cup tournament and to contribute both financially and practically to its success."

Cllr Kennedy also thanked the other sponsors who backed this year's tournament.