When it comes to taking a trip to Ireland to showcase your soccer skills, few experiences compare to the excitement of competing in the Foyle Cup. This past summer, Patruno FP joined DB Sports Tours on an inspiring Ireland tour for the first time. They not only made history at the tour but also offered a rich taste of Irish culture and camaraderie — from exploring the historic Walls of Derry and the brz`eathtaking Giant’s Causeway to experiencing the thrill of traditional Gaelic games.
History Of The Foyle Cup?
The Foyle Cup, hosted in Derry City, Northern Ireland, stands as one of Europe’s most prestigious youth soccer tournaments. Established in 1992, it has grown into a global event that now welcomes over 500 teams from across the world every summer. Last year, the tournament hosted over 840 teams. And this year was groundbreaking as over 1000 teams participated in the 2024 Foyle Cup.
Open to boys and girls aged 8 to 19, as well as athletes with disabilities, the tournament embodies inclusivity, sportsmanship, and international friendship.
Key Highlights of the Foyle Cup
- Inclusive competition for boys, girls, and players with disabilities
- Matches played across Derry City, County Derry, and Northern Ireland
- A week-long celebration of football, culture, and community
- Opportunities for players to meet and compete with international talent.
For clubs exploring soccer tournaments in Ireland, the Foyle Cup is more than a competition — it’s an unforgettable experience that blends elite soccer with the warmth of Irish culture.
How the Foyle Cup Is Played
- Each age group begins with a group stage (usually 4–6 teams per group)
- Top teams from each group move into the Cup quarterfinals and semifinals
- Runners-up and others are placed into the Shield, Plate, or Trophy sections — secondary knockout brackets that keep competition alive for all participants
- Winners of each section receive trophies and medals at the closing ceremony.
How the Trip Went
For Patruno FP, this soccer club tour to Europe from New Jersey was more than just a tournament—it was a full cultural adventure. Their journey began in Letterkenny, County Donegal, where they were surrounded by breathtaking scenery, from the rugged Donegal mountains to the shimmering fjord of Lough Swilly.
From there, the excitement built as the team traveled to Derry City for the opening ceremony of the Foyle Cup. And one of the groups had the opportunity to visit the giant Causeway in Northern Ireland. For many of these players, it was their first taste of international football — and the atmosphere was unforgettable.
This seamless collaboration between Patruno FP and DB Sports Tours ensured that every moment, both on and off the pitch, was memorable. The players experienced Ireland’s rich history, warm hospitality, and love for the game
— proving that the cost of a soccer team tour to Europe is an investment in lifelong memories, development, and global exposure.
Patruno FP Performance at the Ireland Foyle Cup 2025
Patruno FP participated in the 2025 Foyle Cup with four teams — U13 Boys, U11 Girls, U11 Boys, and U10 Boys — each competing against talented youth sides from across Ireland and Europe.
Here’s how they performed:
- U13 Boys – Finished 2nd in Group B with 5 points, capping off their run by defeating St. Oliver Plunketts FC 5–3 in their final match to finish 23rd overall out of 68 teams
- U11 Girls – Battled fiercely in Group C, defeating Tristar FC 5–2 to secure 4th place and ended the tournament in 25th position out of 34 teams.
- U11 Boys – Made history in their first international tour, going undefeated in the group stage to finish top of the table in their group. Overall, Patruno FP U11s finished 24th out of 114 teams in a total of 9 games — a remarkable achievement that captured the spirit of the entire trip.
- U10 Boys – Showed impressive teamwork and resilience, finishing 2nd in their division. After that, they advanced to the shield and defeated Tummery Colts 2:1 to win their last match and finish 27th out of 112 teams, demonstrating the depth of Patruno FP’s growing youth program.
Patruno FP’s experience shows how a mix of competition, culture, and community makes the Foyle Cup one of the most rewarding youth soccer tours in Europe.
USA Teams Making Waves Through The DB Sport Tours
Through DB Sports Tours, American sides like FC Dallas from Texas, Colleyville SC from Texas, and Beach FC from California have proudly represented the U.S., competing with heart and passion. For many players, the Foyle Cup isn’t just a tournament—it’s the experience of a lifetime.
Looking Ahead – Foyle Cup 2026
The next edition of the Foyle Cup takes place Monday, July 20 – Saturday, July 25, 2026.
Whether you’re planning your first youth soccer tour in Europe or looking for the best soccer tours in Europe for youth teams, DB Sports Tours makes the journey seamless. From travel logistics to cultural excursions, every detail is designed for maximum player development and team bonding.
Ready to start planning? Contact DB Sports Tours to learn more about creating a customized tour for your club. Book early and save — teams that confirm their spot for the 2026 Foyle Cup before November 2025 will receive an exclusive $200 discount per person. Don’t miss this chance to experience Ireland’s premier youth soccer tournament in style!
Final Thoughts
Patruno FP’s journey is a reminder that soccer tours are about more than matches—they’re about building friendships, experiencing new cultures, and testing skills against the best. For youth clubs, parents, and coaches, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that leaves lasting memories.Don’t miss out on your chance to join. Discover our Ireland Soccer Tours and secure your spot for 2026.
