'Fantastic' Foyle Cup week delivers record-breaking numbers over almost 4,000 games
A record-breaking week of north-west football served to showcase a fresh generation of players from home and around the world as the O’Neills Foyle Cup wrapped up almost 4,000 games with trophy joy.
With over 1,000 teams a stage for 20,000-plus players, coaching staff and officials setting fresh heights across over 60 venues in the tournament’s 34-year history.
Kicking off with the opening parade, thousands of fans turned out to cheer games covering boys and girls from the under nines to under 19s attracting players from domestic clubs, the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.
"It's hard to believe another O'Neills Foyle Cup has come to an end because the week has flown by,” said Diolain Ward, secretary of the O'Neills Foyle Cup. “It only feels like yesterday we were welcoming more than 1,000 teams to the north west and now we're reflecting on what has been the biggest tournament in our 34-year history.
"No two O'Neills Foyle Cups are ever the same and that's one of the things that makes the tournament so special.
"We've seen some excellent football throughout the week, but what I'll remember most is the way players, coaches, volunteers and supporters have come together to create such a fantastic atmosphere from the opening parade right through to finals day.
"An event of this scale is only possible because of the incredible commitment of so many people.
"I'd like to thank our committee, host clubs, volunteers, referees, local councils, sponsors, community partners and everyone who has worked behind the scenes to deliver another outstanding tournament.
"I'd also like to thank every club, coach, parent and supporter who has travelled to the north west and helped make this year's competition such a success.
"Most importantly, I'd like to congratulate all of the players.
"They have represented their clubs with pride and have been a credit to themselves, their coaches and their families throughout the week.
"Congratulations to this year's champions and thank you to every team that has been part of another memorable O'Neills Foyle Cup.
"We look forward to welcoming everyone back next summer."
Winners included Portstewart, Dungannon United, Strathroy Harps, Glentoran, Lisdrum Youth, Maximum Performance Academy, Dergview, Linfield, Magherafelt Sky Blues, Tummery Athletic, Eglinton Eagles, Tristar, Derry City Colts and Maiden City Soccer.
Friday’s schedule featured more than 120 finals over the cup, plate, rose bowl, vase, shield and globe sections before the Saturday trophy outcomes.
Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: "As a proud sponsor of the O'Neills Foyle Cup, Derry City and Strabane District Council is delighted to be associated with a tournament that continues to bring such significant sporting, social and economic benefits to our city and district. This year's record-breaking event has once again showcased the north west as a welcoming destination capable of hosting major international sporting events, while generating substantial benefits for our tourism, hospitality and retail sectors.
"The Council is proud to support the tournament not only through sponsorship, but also by providing facilities, venues and a range of support services that help make an event of this scale possible. Seeing those facilities filled with thousands of young players, coaches, families and supporters from across the world highlights the positive impact the tournament has on our communities. I would like to congratulate the organisers, volunteers, host clubs and sponsors whose commitment and hard work have delivered another outstanding O'Neills Foyle Cup.
"Most importantly, I want to congratulate all the young people who have taken part and represented their clubs with such pride throughout the week. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the north west in 2027."
Officials would like to thank “a valued network of partners and sponsors including Derry City & Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, O'Neills Sportswear, Derry Credit Union, Apex Housing, Ark Housing Association, Choice Housing, Radius Housing, Seagate, Inner City Trust, Brunswick Moviebowl, Ulster University and North West Regional College”.
Councillor Dawn Huggins, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said: "This year's O'Neills Foyle Cup has marked the Causeway Coast and Glens' biggest involvement with the tournament to date, and we have been proud to play such an important role in hosting the biggest competition in its history.
"Throughout the week, the quality of football, the fantastic atmosphere and the warm welcome shown to teams and supporters from across the world were evident. It was wonderful to see our pitches and venues so busy, with families and visitors bringing such colour and energy across the borough."
"I would like to thank everyone who has helped make this year's O'Neills Foyle Cup such a success, and we look forward to continuing to build on our involvement in the years ahead."