It's time to support some home grown football talent

The tournament, now in its eighth year, will run from the 14-18 July in Carrickfergus, hosting 12 teams from local and national level, including defending champions Keynsham Town Ladies and Manchester City.

Speaking at the official launch of the festival last week, former Northern Ireland international footballer Michael Hughes commented: “Despite the differences physically, technically I believe there is very little difference in standard between men’s and women’s soccer and I’m sure most people who watch ladies football would agree.

“I myself know the importance of gaining experience by practicing against top level teams and the Ladies’ Football Festival in Carrickfergus affords this opportunity to players, giving women’s football the best chance to continually grow throughout the province where we already have some great teams.”

Looking forward to five days of spectacular soccer, Carrickfergus Mayor Jim McClurg added: “We are delighted to be hosting the Ladies’ Football Festival again this year as it guarantees skilful and hard-fought matches with top quality players and works as an economic and tourism driver, attracting visitors to the borough and giving them a taste of what Carrickfergus has to offer.”

Crusaders Newtownabbey Strikers have been drawn in Group D of the competition and will take on Manchester City and Larne Ladies in a bid to reach the knockout stage.