Hundreds of budding young football players from North and South of the border will be descending upon the Valley Leisure Centre on Saturday 4 August from 10am-5pm for the launch of the first ever Peace Cup, hosted by the Carnmoney Football Development Centre (FDC). As well as showcasing the young players’ skills on the field, the tournament will help build relationships and respect between children from a diverse range of backgrounds.

The event which is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (Anglo Irish department) will see players aged nine to eleven years from Shelbourne, Home Farm, Drogheda, Bangor Rangers, Larne Youth, St Marys on the Hill, Aquinas and Carnmoney FDC’s own teams come together to participate in the Peace Cup tournament. The Deputy Mayor of Newtownabbey Alderman Fraser Agnew will be joined by Paul Burns, a coach from the Carnmoney FDC to launch the event which will see young footballers from north and south of the border engage in more than just a game. The tournament will help to bring together 180 children from different areas of Northern Ireland as well as 120 youngsters from the south of the border, improving cross-community relations. The Deputy Mayor said, “It’s fantastic that so many young people can be brought together through football in this way.”

Through the platform of sport, the issues which children can face and the impact on their mental health will also be highlighted at the event, with practical advice being offered by professionals. In addition, nutritional advice will be offered with the benefits of healthy eating being promoted to parents and children on the day.

This fantastic event is a first for the Borough with Sport and Play Development Officer Dean Holmes adding, “Newtownabbey is proving itself once again to be at the leading edge of football development and hopefully this will be the start of many more Peace Cup tournaments!” Spectators are encouraged to come and support the players involved in the competitions. There will be plenty to amuse the whole family with food, entertainment, guest presentations and much more.