The Foyle Cup is a youth soccer tournament held every year in Derry City, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Along with the SuperCupNI, which takes place around the same time, The Foyle Cup is one of Ireland and indeed Europe's premier youth tournaments.
The competition began in 1992 with only eight teams competing. It is seen as one of the most important and pivotal tournaments in Northern Ireland, as it presents an opportunity for the youth of Northern Ireland to show their abilities. Academy teams of such European clubs as Werder Bremen, IFK Göteborg and Ferencváros have participated in the tournament, along with teams from the U.S. and Canada in recent times. It is widely recognised as a tournament that launches the careers of young players aspiring to sign professional contracts. In 2003 former Republic of Ireland player and current Sunderland chairman, Niall Quinn launched the tournament.[1] The 2006 competition was launched by Lawrie Sanchez.[2] In June 2007, Foyle Cup chairman, Michael Hutton confirmed that the 2007 competition will feature special guest, Liverpool F.C. legend Phil Neal. The competition has been title sponsored by local businesses such as Football special cola and Hughes insurance.[3][4][5]
All Foyle Cup matches are played around County Londonderry and the surrounding area, including Letterkenny and Strabane. Final matches are played in The Brandywell Stadium, although, from time to time, it may vary.
Meanwhile, two goals from David Paul and another from Jay Doyle gave Hibs Under-20s a 3-1 win over Finn Harps to clinch their place in the final of the Foyle Cup in which they will face Ballymena.