George Best Cup: UK's biggest disability football tournament gets permanent home in Dundonald

The annual George Best Community Cup at Billy Neill Country Park involves over 500 players with 72 disability squads linked with the English Premiership and Championship as well as the Republic of Ireland taking part.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s communities and well-being committee this week agreed a request from the Irish Football Association (IFA) to donate the use of its soccer grounds and hand over future approvals to council officers .

UUP Alderman, Hazel Legge added:” I am happy to support this as it is a great tournament for diversity.

“I am delighted that we can host this event, which gets bigger and better year on year.

“I also support the recommendation for future requests to donate the use of the playing fields to be approved by the head of parks and amenities.”

The five-a-side competition which is held every June, is supported by the George Best Foundation and Cash for Kids through the Mary Peters Trust.

More than 400 matches are due to be played over two days across 14 pitches at the Dundonald venue.

Committee chairperson, Jonathan Craig (DUP) added: “This is a fantastic event with 72 teams from across the UK bring over 500 disabled participants aged 15 and over.

“It is an absolutely incredible event to have in our council district area.”