Darron Gibson pays a visit for launch of Foyle Cup

The 2013 City of Culture event will take place at the Tower Hotel, Londonderry and special guest will be Everton star Darron Gibson.

The event will run from July 22nd to July 27th and will witness its highest ever entry of 216 teams.

Chairman Michael Hutton commenting on the huge increase in teams this year said: “To think that in 2011 we had 132 teams in the competition; 2012 witnessed an entry of 164 teams and this year we will have our biggest ever entry of 216 teams.

“The growth of the Foyle Cup is a true success story for all of us here in the city.

“Indeed such has been the success of the event, that this year will witness games played all across the North West - Limavady, Strabane, Dungiven, Magherason, Ardmore, Greysteel, Killea, Buncrana, Moville, Cockhill, Greencastle, St Johnstone. It has been amazing to note the ever growing interest in this event which began as a one day 8 team tournament in 1992 and now has developed into a truly wonderful international festival of football.”

Mr Hutton continued, “The Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup has been a passport into professional football for the likes of Robbie Keane, Stephen Ireland, John O Shea, Kevin Kilbane, indeed many of our current Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland international teams have played in the tournament.

“We in the Derry and District Youth FA are delighted that our event has been a means into professional football for so many of our local players and we welcome back to the city one of the many players developed by the Association, Darron Gibson, who has gone on to experience great success with Manchester United and Everton FC.

“We have, in this our City of Culture year, extended invitations to all former Derry & District Youth FA players, presently playing cross Channel football with professional clubs to attend this year’s Press Launch - James Mc Clean (Sunderland), Paddy Mc Court (Celtic ), Dean Shields ( Rangers), Daniel Lafferty ( Burnley), Saul Deeney (Derby County), Cormac Burke ( Ipswich Town), Shane Duffy ( Everton FC), Micheal Kennedy ( Charlton Athletic ) Shane Ferguson ( Newcastle United), Shay Given (Aston Villa) .

In conclusion, Chairman Michael Hutton, stated, “There can be no doubt about the respect that The Foyle Cup has gained over the years.

“Our economy has been in a deep recession for the past three or four years and yet the tournament continues to grow and prosper.

“The warmth and hospitality afforded all its visitors by the local people; the quality of service and accommodation provided by local hoteliers and B&Bs; the high standard of playing surface evident throughout the event; the friendly yet competitive nature of the football played and lastly but by no means least, the planning, administration and organisation that goes into the event by so many of us who give of our services in a totally voluntary basis.

“There are no paid employees in the Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup – just a band of volunteers who strive hard to put on an event that all of us can be proud of and which puts forward a positive image of our city and the North West region. “

Mr Hutton acknowledged the support afforded the event by a number of groups and organisations including the following: Derry City Council, The Culture Company, Department for Social Development, Department of Culture & Leisure, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Limavady Borough Council, Strabane District Council, Hughes Insurance, Seagate, E&I Engineering, PSNI Foyle Branch, Brunswick Superbowl and Derry Credit Union.

More details regarding this year’s event can be viewed on tournament website www.foylecup.com, on the tournament’s Facebook page or by ringing (028) 71359734.