The O’Neills Foyle Cup will take place at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. 155 Lone Moor Rd, Londonderry, BT48 9LA on Monday 17th July – Saturday 22nd July.
The O’Neills Foyle Cup began in 1992 at the request of Derry City Council as part of Impact 92 programme. Since then, Derry City Council have continued to play a major part in the development of the tournament. The organisers, the Derry & District Youth F.A. enjoy an excellent relationship with and tremendous support from, Derry City Council’s Development Dept. ( who not only provide financial support but provide playing surfaces free of charge).
In the first year the event was essentially N.Ireland based and clubs affiliated to the Northern Ireland Boys Football Association were invited to participate. It was staged over one day, with 8 teams taking part in an U 14 and U16 event.
The event began to attract interest from mainland Britain and demand for places in the tournament increased, with entries now arriving from England, Scotland and Wales. As the demand increased so too did the number of entries and the length of the tournament. Growth in the tournament witnessed an entry of almost 90 teams from all over the UK for a six day event in 2005 .
The quality of entry has increased steadily each year with the top clubs in England, Scotland, N.Ireland and Republic of Ireland travelling to Derry to compete as well as a few annual entries from mainland Europe and North America. Every few years teams travel from South Africa. 2011 saw a record 144 entrants playing across age groups ranging from Under 10 (mini soccer) up to Under 19.
Tournament Format
Teams are placed in geographically seeded groups and play a series of match against other side in the group. By the end of the group stage, teams are separated into Cup competitions in line with their group standings. Meaning, the best clubs compete for the “Foyle Cup”, and other teams are placed into subsidiary competitions. In doing this, we aim to allow each team to get the same number of games and play at least one match each day for the entire week. Depending on entry demand, it may be necessary for some age groups to play a second game on one of the days. Matches are spaced out across the day, allowing spectators to watch up to four games every day. The matches are played at over 38 superb venues in Derry, Strabane, Limavady, Eglinton, Greysteel, Dungiven, Coleraine and throughout counties Tyrone and Donegal. The finals are played at Ryan Mc Bride Brandywell Stadium.
In 2023, the Foyle Cup Tournament will run from Monday 17th July – Saturday 22nd July 2023. The entry fee to the tournament is £175 per team. Payment must accompany entry form for tournament. The Foyle Cup Tournament is administrated by an Organising Committee who are a team of volunteers from the Derry & District Youth Football Association based in Derry.
Email: [email protected] for more information
