Intriguing games in store in round one of NI Schools’ Cup

Larne High School were the first name out of the hat and they have been handed a home draw against Corpus Christi.

Glengormley High School, which boasts former pupils in Blackpool’s Craig Cathcart and Linfield’s Ross Glendinning, are on the road with a trip to Magherafelt to take on St Mary’s.

Monkstown Community School will host Foyle College, while Ballyclare High School are also at home but with a tough task against Ashfield Boys’ School.

St Killian’s welcome Fivemiletown and Ballyclare Secondary entertain St Patrick’s (Belfast).

Newtownabbey Community High School make the short trip to Grosvenor, while Glengormley school, Edmund Rice College will be clocking up the miles after they were handed an away tie against City of Armagh.

Ties are scheduled to be played before Wednesday, October 9.

Irish FA Elite Performance Director, Jim Magilton and Ian Duncan, Sales Manager - Charles Hurst Vauxhall, Belfast made the draw for the opening round at Charles Hurst Vauxhall on Belfast’s Boucher Road.

The competition continues to grow and over four different age groups, 108 games will be played across the country in the competition.

NISFA Development Officer Conor Marlin said: “It’s great to have a new season about to kick off. We seed the competition so it means some of the bigger football schools avoid each other, though with that said, we have some really exciting games to look forward to - including some derbies. All hope for the season is not lost if you lose the first-round tie, as you then go into the Plate competition. It’s important we provide as many opportunities as possible to represent your school on the football field with all competitions culminating in a showpiece Finals’ Day on 30 April, 2014.”

Cheryl Stibbs, Vauxhall’s Sponsorship Marketing Manager, added: “Supporting grassroots football is vital for the game in Northern Ireland and we hope that some of the children taking part in the competition this year will go on the represent their country in years to come.”

Draw (East Antrim teams): Larne High v Corpus Christi, St Mary’s (Magherafelt) v Glengormley HS, Monkstown v Foyle College, Ballyclare HS V Ashfield, Ballyclare Sec v St Patrick’s (Belfast), Grosvenor v Newtownabbey CHS, City of Armagh v Edmund Rice College.