The Foyle Cup is a youth football tournament held every year in Derry City, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Along with the SuperCupNI, 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 Göteborg and Ferencváros have participated in the tournament, along with teams from the U.S. 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 tournament.Niall Quinn Launches 2003 Foyle Cup retrieved 15 June 2007 The 2006 competition was launched by Lawrie Sanchez.Foyle Cup launched by Sanchez retrieved 15 June 2007 In June 2007, Foyle Cup chairman, Michael Hutton confirmed that the 2007 competition will feature special guest, Liverpool F.C. legend Phil Neal. The competition has been title sponsored by local businesses such as Football special cola and Hughes insurance.
Location All Foyle Cup matches are played around County Londonderry 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 K.S.C. Lokeren Oost-Vlaanderen Ottawa Fury FC AC Horsens Altrincham FC AFC Bournemouth Fulham F.C. Norwich City F.C. Port Vale F.C. Sheffield United F.C. Sheffield Wednesday F.C. Montpellier Hérault SC Arminia Bielefeld Werder Bremen Ferencváros Cherry Orchard F.C. Bohemians F.C. Finn Harps F.C. Letterkenny Rovers F.C. Brescia Calcio Armagh City F.C. Ballymena United F.C. Derry City F.C. Portstewart F.C. Coleraine F.C. Glentoran F.C. Institute F.C. Linfield F.C. Aberdeen F.C. Celtic F.C. Heart of Midlothian F.C. Hibernian F.C. IFK Göteborg Inter CT F.C.
Other regular teams to appear Derry and District League Youth Teams USL Youth teams
References
External links Official Site Foyle Cup Kicks off 2006