FOOTBALL: Foyle Cup getting ready for another bumper football event

Former Republic of Ireland international footballer Johnny Giles pictured with members of Derry City Colts team, at this years Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup launch.

The next major event in the offing for the North West region, after the Clipper boats depart this weekend, is the Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup which will take from July 18 to July 23.

The event has attracted its highest ever entry of teams – 310 – and teams will travel across the UK and Republic of Ireland to compete with entries received from as far away as Finland, and New York.

Over the years Robbie Keane, John O’Shea, Paddy McNair, Darron Gibson, Shay Given, Paddy McCourt, Daniel Lafferty, James McClean and Stephen Ireland have played at the event.

Michael Hutton Chairman of Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup said: “The major clubs in Britain are booking scouts into hotels, Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Sunderland, Norwich City, Sheffield Utd, Blackburn Rovers, Celtic, Hearts, Rangers and many others - will each have several scouts in the city, very much focusing on what Irish talent is available.

“More and more clubs are looking at the success of Irish players with Premier League club and are determined to find future stars – thereby saving themselves millions of pounds that their clubs cannot afford.

“More and more professional clubs are crossing the Irish Sea and it is particularly pleasing to see present manager of Celtic FC – Brendan Rodgers encouraging Celtics under 14 team to compete.

“Other cross channel participants include Hearts, Partick Thistle, Sheffield Utd, Norwich City as well as FD Suomi from Finland and Landsdowne Boys and Everton America from New York.”

More details can be viewed on the tournament website www.foylecup.com or by calling 02871359734.