Entries sought for 2004 Shell Foyle Cup

The organisers of the 2004 Shell Foyle Cup tournament are expecting the highest ever level of team entries for this year's competition, which for the first time will include a ladies and a youth competition.

Chairman of the Organising Committee, Michael Hutton, said: “The Shell Foyle Cup tournament began as a one day tournament catering for just eight teams in 1992 and has grown in stature and size to such an extent that the 2003 event witnessed an entry of 76 teams for a five-day international event. Such has been the demand for competition, that 2004 will witness our first ever entry of ladies’ teams as well as a new Youth competition.

"The last number of years has witnessed a huge growth in the development of ladies football and to cater for this growth, when we were asked to include a Ladies’ Section in the 2004 event, we were delighted to do so. I know that the numbers of players in Ladies football is ever increasing and that the skill factor and standard is already high but opportunities to compete in competitions like the Shell Foyle cup tournament will heighten standards even further.”

Recognised as one of Europe’s best youth soccer tournaments the Shell Foyle Cup has entries each year from many top teams from England and Scotland and last year the event attracted several entries from European sides.

Entry forms for the 2004 event and further information can be obtained from the tournament website at www.foylecup.com or by calling +44 (0)28 7135 9734.

The event has attracted support from Derry City Council, the NI Events Company, the NI Tourist Board, the Department for Social Development, NI Sports Council and the Western Education and Library Board.

(SP)