Local boys off on Milk-y Way

Patrick Stewart and Neil Lowry will have even more incentive to do well than the rest of their County Antrim team-mates, with the finals of the world-famous competition being played in Ballymena for the first time this year.

Ongoing problems with suitable facilities for the closing night of the tournament have forced the organisers to move the finals night from its spiritual home of Coleraine Showgrounds for the first time since the tournament's inception in its 25-year history.

The superb surroundings of Ballymena Showgrounds has stepped in to fill the void and the new champions will be crowned at the Warden Street venue next Friday evening, July 30.

For the two Ballymena boys, it would be a dream come true if the local county side could spring the biggest of upsets and topple the youth set-ups of some of the biggest names in world club football.

Patrick is in the Junior (under-14) panel. The St Louis Grammar School pupil is a central defender who can also operate in midfield and he plays his club football for Chimney Corner.

Neil, from Ballykeel, will be in the Premier (under-16) County Antrim squad. An attacking midfielder who can also play up front, he is currently with Ballymena United Thirds, having had spells with the United Youth Academy and Carniny Youth.

Aside from the progress of the two Ballymena boys, there will be plenty of action to keep local football fans entertained during the week.

This year Broughshane hosts 11 games with eight scheduled for Ballymena Showgrounds, including the finals.

The full list of local games is:

BALLYMENA SHOWGROUNDS

Monday, July 26: Manchester United v Co Tyrone (Premier, 6pm); USA v China (Elite U-19, 8pm).

Tuesday, July 27: County Antrim v South Coast Bayern (Premier, 7pm).

Wednesday, July 28: Milk Cup quarter-final (Premier, 6pm); Mexico v Japan (Elite, 8pm).

Friday July 30: Milk Cup final (Junior, 4pm); Milk Cup final (Elite, 6pm); Milk Cup final (Premier, 8.15pm).

BROUGHSHANE

Monday, July 26: Swindon Town v Cruz Azul (Junior, 12 noon); Queen of the South v Aspire (Premier, 3.30pm).

Tuesday, July 27: FC Puebla v Dundalk SL (Junior, 12 noon); San Agustin v Donegal Schools (Premier, 3.30pm).

Wednesday, July 28: Dunluce Trophy quarter-final (Junior, 12 noon); Dunluce Trophy quarter-final (Premier, 3.30pm).

Thursday, July 29: Slemish Trophy 5th-8th play-offs (Junior, 12 noon); DUnluce Trophy 5th-8th play-offs (Premier, 3.30pm); Milk Cup 5th-8th play-offs (Premier, 7pm).

Friday, July 30: Slemish Trophy final (Junior, 11am); Slemish Trophy final (Premier, 1.30pm).