The tournament kicks off at Ulster University Jordanstown on 10th & 11th August 2019 with an exciting line up of teams.
The finals will be played at Seaview, the home of Crusaders FC.
The tournament organisers Playing for the Future CIC have been busy securing top teams from all over Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England and Serbia. Tournament organiser, Thomas McStravick said:
“We are delighted to welcome, in our inaugural year, top teams including Leeds United, Sheffield United and top Serbian professional club FK Vojvodina. It will be great for our top local clubs to compete against quality opposition. Huge thanks to Ulster University for their assistance in making this event possible. It’s a pleasure to be able to bring top teams to this event for our local talent to test themselves against the very best. Many thanks to all the clubs who expressed an interest to get involved.”
Professor Raffaella Folli, Provost of the Belfast & Jordanstown campuses is delighted to welcome the development of this event which will provide an important civic bridge for community sport between the Jordanstown campus, renowned for sporting excellence and the creation of the new Belfast campus in North Belfast. She said:
“Sport has long established roots at Ulster University and we remain at the forefront of helping and inspiring talented athletes to fulfil their sporting and academic potential. Alongside that, our research in sports and exercise science is helping to inform government policy and transform the health and wellbeing of societies, and our teaching is developing future leaders in the industry who can contribute to a global, growing sports economy.
“The Belfast Youth Cup strengthens our commitment to the development of sport at grassroots level and to encouraging positive engagement in sport for physical, emotional and psychosocial wellbeing. We are proud to be a key partner in this event.”
Attending the event at York Street, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor John Finucane, said:
“I’m delighted to attend tonight’s launch, and to show my support for the Belfast Youth Cup.
“The Belfast Agenda, which sets out the city’s long term objectives, states that we want everyone in Belfast to fulfill their potential and experience good health and wellbeing. Sporting events like this play a vital role in helping us achieve our goals.
“It is also great to see teams travelling from as far afield as Serbia to take part in the event, and I hope that all the players, their families and everyone else who attends have a brilliant time while visiting Belfast.”
Full details of the tournament including the draw can be found at www.belfastyouthcup.com