Speaking at the Milk Cup Junior Final in the Coleraine Showgrounds the Sports Minister, Gregory Campbell said: “Supporting young people in sport is part of our future and a priority for my Department. I am therefore very pleased to be able to offer up £50,000 of funding from Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure’s Major Events Fund to support the Milk Cup Tournament.
“Taking part in sport offers many benefits for our young people, by improving their academic performance and boosting self-esteem.
“Since the Milk Cup began in 1983, it has grown into one of the most important and successful soccer competitions in the world, showcasing some of the finest young footballing talents of tomorrow.”
The competition has attracted the cream of young footballing talent from 56 countries as far away as South America and New Zealand to play alongside household names such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Rangers.
The Minister continued: “The tournament brings the excitement and challenge of competing to the young players and officials, a great source of entertainment for the spectators and boost to the local economy.
“Northern Ireland has a rich sporting tradition with an impressive array of renowned sportsmen and women. Many of whom achieved great feats on the football pitch to become household names - George Best, Pat Jennings and Martin O’Neill have more recently been followed by David Healy, Glen Ferguson and many others.
“I believe this tournament and others like it, will help today’s youth tread in the footsteps of the greats mentioned, as well as the David Beckham’s, Steve McManaman’s and Dean Ashton’s of today who were past participants of this international event.”
Congratulating the Milk Cup organisers, local authorities and sponsors for all their hard work in staging such a prestigious tournament the Minister said: “The competition has gone from strength to strength and this year’s event shows the further commitment the organisers, local authorities and sponsors have to supporting young people in sports through the growth of an event like this.”
Notes to Editors:
- Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Press Office Tel (028) 9025 8901 or email press.office@dcalni.gov.uk
- Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
