A record-breaking O’Neills Foyle Cup concluded on Saturday after welcoming 1,013 teams and more than 20,000 players, coaches and officials to the North West for the biggest tournament in the competition’s 34-year history.
Clubs travelled from across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and North America to compete in 3,942 matches at more than 60 venues throughout the week, underlining the
continued growth of one of the world’s leading youth football tournaments.
More than 200,000 spectators attended fixtures during the six-day tournament, delivering a significant boost to tourism, hospitality, retail and visitor attractions across the North West.
The week began with the tournaments traditional Opening Parade as thousands of young footballers made their way from Ulster University’s Magee Campus through the streets of Derry~Londonderry to Guildhall Square. Welcomed by families, local residents and supporters, players proudly represented their clubs before receiving an official civic welcome ahead of six days of competition.
From Under-8 through to Under-19 level, boys’, girls’, and disability competitions brought together teams from across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.
Fixtures were played throughout Derry~Londonderry, Strabane, Limavady, Claudy, Greysteel, Coleraine, Dungiven, Castledawson, Inishowen and Donegal, reflecting both the scale of the tournament and its continued commitment to providing opportunities for young players of all ages and abilities.
The success of the tournament was made possible through the commitment of host clubs, volunteers, referees, local councils, sponsors, community partners and tournament staff, whose work ensured the smooth delivery of almost 4,000 fixtures across the week.
Diolain Ward, Secretary of the O’Neills Foyle Cup, said: It’s hard to believe another; Neills Foyle Cup has come to an end because the week has flown by. 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.”
More than 120 Foyle Cup, Plate, Rose Bowl, Vase, Shield and Globe finals were played at venues across the North West on Friday, with teams from every age group competing for
silverware following another memorable week of football.
Among the boys’ Foyle Cup champions were Portstewart FC (Under-8), Dungannon United (Under-9), Strathroy Harps (Under-10), Glentoran FC (Under-11), Lisdrum Youth (Under-12
9v9), Maximum Performance Academy (Under-17) and Dergview Football Club (Under-19). Linfield FC (Under-9), Magherafelt Sky Blues (Under-10), Tummery Athletic (Under-11),
Eglinton Eagles (Under-12), Tristar FC (Under-13), Donegal Girls (Under-14), Donegal Ladies (Under-15) and Derry City FC Colts (Under-17) were crowned champions across the
girls’ competitions.
The focus then shifted to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Saturday, where the Seagate Under-12 Cup Final, Choice Housing Under-14 Cup Final and North West Regional
College Under-16 Cup Final brought the biggest O’Neills Foyle Cup in the tournament’s year history to its conclusion.”
Maiden City Soccer claimed the Seagate Under-12 Cup with a 3-2 victory over Dungannon United, securing the first of the day's three showpiece titles. The Choice Housing Under-14
Cup followed, with FD Finland defeating Ballymena United 2-1 to add their name to the
tournament’s roll of honour.
The curtain came down on the 2026 O’Neills Foyle Cup in the North West Regional College Under-16 Cup Final, where Dundee United defeated Ballymoney Youth 4-2 on penalties
after an entertaining 2-2 draw to lift one of the tournament's most prestigious trophies.
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.”
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.”
John Murphy, Ulster Soccer Manager at O’Neills Sportswear, said: “another O’Neills Foyle Cup has come to a close, and it has been wonderful to see the tournament bring
together so many young players, coaches, families and supporters from across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.”
“Having spent time at venues throughout the week, what stood out most was just how much the tournament means to everyone involved. Throughout the tournament, there was a real
sense of occasion wherever football was being played, and it was easy to see why so many teams return year after year.”
“Congratulations to every player, coach, volunteer and organiser who has helped make this year’s tournament such a success. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the
O’Neills Foyle Cup and helping it build on another outstanding year.”
The 2026 O’Neills Foyle Cup is supported by 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.
For more information on the O’Neills Foyle Cup visit www.foylecup.com.
