FORMER England, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers defender David May will be the official guest of honour at the 2008 University of Ulster Foyle Cup launch, next Wednesday, at Magee.
The tournament, which has 114 teams competiting this year will take place in Londonderry, Strabane and Limavady Council areas and surrounding areas from the 21st to 26th July.
Tournament Chairman Michael Hutton in acknowledging the growth of the tou
rnament expressed his delight that the event is affording Irish and Eircom leagues an opportunity to develop young players and give them the opportunity to pitch the skills of these young players against international opposition.
"Each year, the international appeal of the Foyle Cup is witnessed more and more as teams from far and beyond British shores travel to Derry to compete in the event - from France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Sweden, Malta, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Canada and America - teams of the calibre of Werder Bremen, Ferencvaros, Montpellier, IFK Gothenburg, Sporting Lokeren, Hull City, Hearts, Aberdeen, Sheffield Utd, to name but a few," said Hutton.
He added: "But what is even more pleasing about the growth of the Foyle Cup is that more and more of our senior clubs recognise the opportunity being afforded them to prepare young players from their club to compete against top class opposition.
"These players are not simply being assembled to play in a tournament but are reaping the benefits of many years of involvement and preparation put in by their coaches at their Senior clubs."
This year entries have been received from Derry City, Linfield, Glentoran, Glenavon, Portadown, Limavady Utd, Institute, Ballyclare Comrades, Armagh City, Donegal Celtic, Ards, Finn Harps, Coleraine and Dundalk.
Mr Hutton also acknowledged the importance of sponsorship to the event: "I know we as an Association work extremely hard to make this event happen.
"To organise an event such as the Foyle Cup must take up an immeasurable amount of time, commitment and dedication, particularly when one considers that all the members of the organising committee do this on a voluntary basis but it would not be possible for it to take place without the generosity of our sponsors.
"In particular I wish to acknowledge the support afforded the event by Derry City Council, Limavady Borough Council, Strabane District Council, Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Firmus Energy, Tesco and the University of Ulster.
More details regarding this years event can be viewed on tournament website www.foylecup.com.
