'Foyle Cup about more than just football' says Tournament Secretary ahead of Finals Day

The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium will once again host the showpieces finals, bring to a conclusion a week which Mr Ward says has exceeded all expectations.

"It's hard to believe we're already talking about Finals Day because the week has just flown by," reflect the tournament secretary, "It only feels like yesterday we were standing in Guildhall Square welcoming more than 1,000 teams to the north west and now we're getting ready to bring another fantastic tournament to a close.

"Football is what brings everybody here, but it's only one part of what makes the week so special. It's the atmosphere around every venue, the families following their teams from pitch to pitch, the volunteers welcoming people with a smile and the sense that everybody is part of something much bigger than a football tournament.

"You can feel that community spirit wherever you go. Whether you're at one of the larger venues or a local host club, everyone has pulled together to make sure players and their families have a brilliant experience. That's what people remember when they go home.

"Every year the tournament writes its own story and this year has been no different. We've seen brilliant football, dramatic games, fantastic goals and some unforgettable moments, but what stands out most is seeing thousands of young people enjoying themselves and making memories that will stay with them for years to come.

"When you walk around the venues you see players from different clubs, different counties and different countries chatting together, swapping shirts after games and making new friends. That's what the Foyle Cup has always been about and it's something we're incredibly proud of."

This year's tournament saw a record 1,013 teams take part with 3,942 matches at more than 60 venues with spectator figures expected to top 200,000 across the week as well the Foyle Cup delivering a significant boost to the regional economy through tourism, hospitality, retail and visitor spending. It's a huge logistical challenge and one Mr. Ward stressed would not be possible with the support of the competition's volunteers and sponsors.

"This tournament brings thousands of players, coaches, parents and supporters into the north west every summer and that's hugely important for the whole region," he added, "Hotels are full, restaurants and cafés are busy and visitor attractions right across the area welcome families who have travelled here from across Ireland, the UK and much further afield.

"It creates tens of thousands of bed nights and delivers a significant boost for local businesses, but just as importantly it gives us the chance to show people what a fantastic place the north west is. Hopefully many of those families will come back again long after this year's tournament has finished.

"Events like this don't just happen. Our committee has been planning this tournament since last year, but during tournament week it's the hundreds of volunteers who really bring everything to life. From our venue coordinators and first aid teams to our referees, host clubs and everyone working behind the scenes, they've all been outstanding. "I'd also like to thank every coach, parent and club volunteer who has travelled to the tournament. We know the amount of fundraising, planning and hard work that goes into bringing a team here and we never take that commitment for granted."

Looking ahead to Saturday's grand finale, Mr Ward said

"Finals Day is always a brilliant occasion and it's the perfect way to round off what has been another outstanding week," he added, "We're expecting some excellent football and I'd encourage as many people as possible to come along and support the players because they've been a credit throughout the tournament and deserve a big stage for the finals.

"Whatever happens, I hope every team goes home proud of what they've achieved. Just qualifying for and taking part in a tournament of this scale is an achievement in itself. "On behalf of the committee, I'd like to thank every player, coach, volunteer, referee, parent, sponsor, partner and supporter who has played their part this week. The O'Neills Foyle Cup has always been a community effort and once again the whole north west has come together to put on something really special. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved together and we can't wait to see the tournament finish in style on Finals Day.”