Foyle Cup

The Foyle Cup is a youth soccer tournament held every year in Londonderry. Along with the Milk Cup, which takes place around the same time, The Foyle Cup is one of Ireland and indeed Europe's premier youth tournaments.

History

The competition began in 1992 with only eight teams competing. It is seen as one of the most important and pivotal tournaments in Northern Ireland, as it presents an opportunity for the youth of Northern Ireland to show their abilities. Academy teams of such European clubs as Werder Bremen, IFK Goteborg and Ferencvaros have participated in the tournament, along with teams from the U.S.A. and Canada in recent times. It is widely recognised as a tournament that launches the careers of young players aspiring to sign professional contracts.In 2003 former Republic of Ireland player and current Sunderland chairman, Niall Quinn launched the tounament [ [http://www.derrycity.gov.uk/Press%20Releases/190503-foylecup.htm Niall Quinn Launches 2003 Foyle Cup] retrieved 15 June 2007] . The 2006 competition was launched by Lawrie Sanchez [ [http://news.ulster.ac.uk/releases/2006/2245.html Foyle Cup launched by Sanchez] retrieved 15 June 2007] .In June 2007, Foyle Cup chairman, Micahel Hutton confirmed that the 2007 competition will feature special guest, Liverpool F.C. legend Phil Neal.

Location

All Foyle Cup matches are played around Derry and the surrounding area, including Letterkenny and Strabane. Final matches are played in The Brandywell Stadium, although, from time to time, it may vary.

Notable past participants

*flagicon|Belgium K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen
*flagicon|Denmark AC Horsens
*flagicon|England AFC Bournemouth
*flagicon|England Fulham F.C.
*flagicon|England Norwich City F.C.
*flagicon|England Port Vale F.C.
*flagicon|England Sheffield United F.C.
*flagicon|England Sheffield Wednesday F.C.
*flagicon|France Montpellier Hérault SC
*flagicon|Germany Arminia Bielefeld
*flagicon|Germany Werder Bremen
*flagicon|Hungary Ferencváros
*flagicon|Ireland Cherry Orchard F.C.
*flagicon|Ireland Derry City F.C.
*flagicon|Ireland Finn Harps F.C.
*flagicon|Ireland Letterkenny Rovers F.C.
*flagicon|Italy Brescia Calcio
*flagicon|Northern Ireland Coleraine F.C.
*flagicon|Northern Ireland Glentoran F.C.
*flagicon|Northern Ireland Institute F.C.
*flagicon|Northern Ireland Linfield F.C.
*flagicon|Scotland Aberdeen F.C.
*flagicon|Scotland Hearts F.C.
*flagicon|Sweden IFK Goteborg:Other regular teams to appear
*flagicon|Irelandflagicon|Northern Ireland Derry and District League Youth Teams
*flagicon|Ireland USL Youth teams

References

Ards

External links

* [http://www.foylecup.com/ Official Site]
* [http://news.ulster.ac.uk/releases/2006/2371.html Foyle Cup Kicks off 2006]