Foyle Cup Tournament, Northern Ireland

The Foyle Cup Tournament is a prestigious annual youth soccer tournament hosted in Derry City, County Derry, Northern Ireland. It holds the distinction of being one of Ireland’s and Europe’s premier youth competitions. Each year, it attracts an impressive array of over 400 participating teams.

Internationally Renowned Teams at Foyle Cup

The tournament’s inception dates back to 1992 when only eight teams participated. Since then, it has evolved into a crucial event in Northern Ireland, providing a platform for the region’s young soccer talents to shine. The Foyle Cup has witnessed the involvement of renowned academy teams such as Werder Bremen, IFK Göteborg, FC Dallas, Celtic FC, Fulham FC, Norwich City, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Aberdeen FC, and Ferencvaros.

Soccer in County Derry

In recent years, teams from the U.S. and Canada have also joined the competition, enhancing its international reputation. It’s recognized for catapulting young players toward professional contracts, and in 2003, former Republic of Ireland player and Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn inaugurated the tournament.

Foyle Cup Tournaments Information

Dates

Tournoi
Monday 20 July – Saturday 25 July.
The deadline for applications is:
31 January 2026.

Age Categories

Boys: Under 8s to Boys Under 19s

Girls: Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15 & Senior

Games

Each team is guaranteed a minimum of four matches, comprising three bracket games and a knockout match based on your team’s performance, determining your path in the tournament (cup, shield, plate, bowl).

Previous Teams

Celtic FC, Aberdeen FC, Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Patrick Thistle FC, Motherwell FC & Many others

What's Included in The Foyle Cup Tournament

Accommodation

Stay comfortably in university dorms or carefully selected 3 or 4-star hotels, offering cozy lodging options in Dublin and Derry/Donegal, ensuring a pleasant stay throughout your trip.

Meals

Start your day right with breakfast provided each morning, and have the option to add dinner for added convenience.

Transportation

Enjoy convenient transportation with all ground transportation included, including pick up and drop off at the airport, ensuring seamless travel arrangements for your entire journey.

Other Experience

Immerse yourself in various cultural and recreational activities, including exploring the historic Walls of Derry, visiting the iconic Giant’s Causeway, experiencing Gaelic games, enjoying a traditional Irish evening of entertainment, attending the Tournament Opening Ceremony, and much more, making your trip truly unforgettable.