Bumper entry for 2010 Tesco Foyle Cup

The tournament had its humble beginnings as part of Derry City Council's Impact '92 programme when eight teams participated in a one day eight team event. Last year witnessed an entry of 128 teams take part in a six day festival of football.

Each year as the number of teams entered has increased, so too has the quality of entry.

Top Irish clubs Linfield, Glentoran, Coleraine, Crusaders, Glenavon, Portadown, Ballymena Utd, Derry City, Institute, Lisburn Distillery, Dungannon, Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers, and Finn Harps all did battle with the best that English, Scottish and European clubs could offer. Indeed the highlight of the 2009 event was undoubtedly Linfield FC's heroic but unsuccessful efforts to overcome Celtic FC in the U14 Final.

Tournament Chairman, Michael Hutton, in acknowledging the growth of the tournament expressed his delight that the event is still not only attracting a high quality of entry but an ever increasing entry of teams.

"When one thinks about the result the recession is having on spending power not just throughout Ireland and the UK but globally - it is remarkable to note that last year we had our highest ever entry of teams."

Mr Hutton continued: "Each year, the international appeal of the Foyle Cup is witnessed more and more as teams from far and beyond British shores travel to Derry to compete in the event - teams from England, Scotland, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Malta, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Canada and America have competed over the years.

"Whilst this interest is immensely important and pleasing, what is even more pleasing about the growth of the Foyle Cup is that more and more of our senior Irish league and eircom League of Ireland clubs recognise the opportunity being afforded them to prepare young players from their club to compete against top class opposition.

"These players are not simply being assembled to play in a tournament but are reaping the benefits of many years of involvement and preparation put in by their coaches at their senior clubs."

Mr Hutton also acknowledged the importance of sponsorship to the event: "I know we as an Association work extremely hard to make this event happen.

"To organise an event such as the Foyle Cup must take up an immeasurable amount of time, commitment and dedication, particularly when one considers that all the members of the organising committee do this on a voluntary basis but it would not be possible for it to take place without the generosity of our sponsors. In particular I wish to acknowledge the support afforded the event over the years by our main sponsor Tesco, Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Derry City Council, Department for Social Development, Limavady Borough Council, Strabane District Council, Firmus Energy and Derry Credit Union."

More details regarding this year's event can be viewed on tournament website www.foylecup.com.