Foyle Cup goes from strength to strength

At the recent press launch for the event, Paddy McCourt (Celtic FC) and Shane Duffy (Everton FC) released details of this year's draw which sees international teams from all over the world, together with teams from across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, travel to Londonderry for what is now considered to be one of the most important youth soccer competitions of its kind within Europe.

As with this year's World Cup event, there will be many surprise packages and it will be interesting to see how far the five teams travelling from America and Canada progress in the event.

Two years ago Ottawa Fury made the semi final of the Under 16 event and no doubt now they know the standard of competition, they will face will return much more informed and determined than before.

Indeed tournament organiser Michael Hutton reckons they can go all the way and win the event. "Ottawa Fury competed here two years ago and were a well organised, well drilled team. They played exciting, fast flowing, entertaining football and if they get the opportunity to show those skills they could well be the team to win the cup.

"They will face a very stiff challenge, much stiffer than what they received in previous years as fellow countrymen ANB Soccer and USA teams America Everton and Rampo Valley are not making the long journey just to compete."

The Foyle Cup has gone from strength to strength since its inaugural event in 1992 in which only eight teams participated. Commencing on Monday 19th of July this year's event will see 144 teams compete over the 6 days of the competition which runs until Saturday 24th July.

Northern Ireland international Paddy McCourt, a former player of the Derry & District Youth FA in the Foyle Cup tournament, in welcoming all teams to the event, commented on how the Foyle Cup has become one of the most well-known and highly respected youth team tournaments.

"I know the immense importance place on this event by professional clubs in England and Scotland, as each club ensures their scouts are in attendance throughout the week.

"This event offers to so many kids from throughout Ireland an opportunity to life as a full time professional footballer whilst at the same team is a tremendous supply of talent to Irish clubs, North and South.

"I know that all teams coming to the city will be assured of a high standard of football, excellent playing surfaces and most important of all, a warm Derry City welcome."

Amongst some of the clubs competing in this year's event are top English and Scottish clubs, Hearts, Celtic, Hibernian, Sheffield United, Hull City, QPR, Morecambe, Ferencvaros, Qatar, as well as Irish European entrants Linfield and Glentoran.

This year's competition will also welcome a delegation from refereeing societies throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland who will officiate at this international youth soccer tournament across the North West area.

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