NEW York based Lansdowne Yonkers FC will be joining forces with Rathmullan Celtic to take on the biggest ever Foyle Cup.
A talented group of under-13 Americans will be traveling across the Atlantic to form a composite squad with players from Donegal.
With a record 700 teams confirmed for the tournament, the Foyle Cup will be taking place from July 15 until July 20 and should provide tough competition for the international team.
The American players are being brought to Ireland by Rathmullan native William McGrory, who has been involved with Lansdowne Yonkers FC for 14 years. However, despite his New York ZIP code, McGrory is no stranger to the Irish tournament.
“This is our third year competing in the Foyle Cup, and we’re overjoyed to team up with my old friend Mark Curran and Rathmullan Celtic for the first time,” he said.
“The opportunity to compete both alongside and against players from so far away promises to be an amazing experience for all involved.”
Given the Irish connection of the club, McGrory is enthusiastic to be able to provide his young players with the opportunity to explore their roots.
“We all know about the large Irish community in the United States, and particularly in eastern cities like New York and Boston.
“The club is dedicated to providing opportunities, and playing the beautiful game with us offers fantastic incentives, including the chance to earn college scholarships and also embark on overseas trips, which is exactly what we’re doing for the Foyle Cup.”
Hosting the American guests, Rathmullan Celtic youth coach Mark Curran is excited for the opportunity to reunite with McGrory and welcome his team to the Northwest.
“This collaboration just made perfect sense, and we’ve even managed to get customised kits with the badges of both clubs included,” he said.
“The clubs both have a Celtic connection and the colours are pretty similar, so the players will definitely look the part when they step onto the field and I’m sure they’ll be really competitive.”
“I’ve seen names such as O’Reilly and Cavanagh on the list of players William is bringing, which shows the extent of the Irish connection in New York.
However, while the focus is football, McGrory will not see the team leave Ireland without some sight-seeing.
“At the end of the day, we’re here to play a football tournament, but that cultural aspect of the trip is really important for us as well,” he said.
“We already have a few tourist activities set up - we’ll be visiting Giants Causeway, learning about Derry, and of course, travelling around Donegal.”
