The former Red Devil admitted that underage competitions are tremendous for youth development and also recalled his time when he played in a similar competition when he was a teenager.
"I remember playing in France for my local youth team and it was great because we played against French, German, Italian, Spanish and other nationals, which helped my career no end," said May.
"The University of Ulster Foyle Cup started with only eight teams, while I know this year's competition has over 100 clubs from throughout Europe, America, England, Scotland and Ireland and that's fantastic.
"I would like to wish Michael Hutton and everyone involved particularly the young players who are playing to firstly give your all but more importantly enjoy."
The Foyle Cup, which started out as a one-day event in 1992, has now grown into one of the largest youth tournaments in Europe and chairman Michael Hutton is delighted by how big the competition is now.
"When we examine this year's entry, 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," admitted Hutton.
"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."
The Foyle Cup runs from July 22 to 26.