Eight U14 teams from Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Monaghan, Donegal, Fermanagh and Sligo take part in The 2018 Atlantic Cup in Ballisodare this Saturday
Ballisodare United hold their annual one day tournament for u14 year olds boys this coming Saturday 14th July in Young’s Quarry, Ballisodare.
There are 8 teams in the Atlantic Cup with Sligo’s Ballisodare United been joined by Mervue United (Galway), Ballinamallard United (Fermanagh), Phoenix FC (Dublin), Finn Harps Academy (Donegal), Carrick Rovers (Monaghan), Corbally United (Limerick) and Bonagee United (Donegal).
The exciting tournament format will pit sides from various regions in Ireland against one another. Galway side Mervue United will undoubtedly be one of the pre-tournament favourites while Phoenix FC currently sit top of the Major league in the DDSL with an unbeaten record will travel down from Dublin with high hopes. Fermanagh side Ballinamallard United grace the tournament for the third year in a row and are a side with high standards and quality at every age group.
Bonagee United from Letterkenny had a strong season and having competed last year will know what it takes to win the tournament. Finn Harps Academy has a selection of strong Donegal club players who feed into the Finn Harps national league u15 team and will be a threat for every opponent.
Both Corbally United from Limerick and Carrick Rovers from Monaghan are using the tournament as an end of season a trip to crown successful seasons in their respective leagues and will stay over the weekend to take in what Sligo has to offer. Corbally won the Cup in the Limerick District League while Carrick won the Cavan/Monaghan League title.
Group A sees Ballisodare, Mervue, Bonagee, and Carrick Rovers against each other while Group B features Finn Harps, Phoenix FC, Corbally and Ballinamallard. Each team will play the other three teams in their group in 30 minute games in 11 aside games. The top two of each group go into Cup semi-finals while the bottom two of each group go into Plate semi-finals.
Ballisodare United FC Club Secretary Stephen Healy said. “It’s our fourth year to host The Atlantic Cup and the quality of the teams on show this year is the best yet. Each team will believe that they can win the tournament. These types of fixtures do not happen often due to the clubs geographical locations. We’re all excited to see how the tournament unfolds on Saturday”
In more exciting news Ballisodare United are entering a partnership with SpunOut.ie. SpunOut are “Ireland’s youth information website. We provide young people with the information to deal with life’s challenges.” Information on how SpunOut.ie may be useful for you or someone you know can be obtained on the day of the Atlantic Cup itself.
Fixtures will be available on Ballisodare United’s official app which is available for free on Android or iPhone or the Ballisodare United Facebook Page in the coming days with the first games due to start at 11am. Light refreshments and tea and coffee will be available on the day. Entry to the tournament is free of charge. All welcome.
