Craigavon Cup proves great success as young players battle for glory

The first ever ‘Craigavon Cup’ football tournament took place recently in Lurgan with over 900 payers taking part in the hugely successful day.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th May 2014, 16:15 BST
Glenavon u11s: Glenavon U11s who won the Rose Bowl.Glenavon u11s: Glenavon U11s who won the Rose Bowl.
Glenavon u11s: Glenavon U11s who won the Rose Bowl.

In total, over 2,200 people either took part or attended the event as a supporter with everyone getting into the football spirit – some came from as far as Fermanagh, Londonderry and Dublin!

Each age group had four competitions with the prizes being a cup, shield, plate or rose bowl meaning there were 16 prizes up for grabs. A total of 96 teams competed from under-9 level to under-12 level.

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The heats were held in Gordon Playing Fields with the finals then held in Mourneview Park – the home of Glenavon Football Club.

Glenavon and Portadown battle it out.Glenavon and Portadown battle it out.
Glenavon and Portadown battle it out.

Portadown Football Club won the overall Jimmy Jones memorial Cup with Glenavon Football Club finishing as runners up.

Other winners were:

Under-9

CUP: Portadown

Showing off some ball skills during a match.Showing off some ball skills during a match.
Showing off some ball skills during a match.

SHIELD: Shamrock Rovers

SALVER: Dungannon

ROSE BOWL: Derry City

Under-10

Keeping their eye on the ball.Keeping their eye on the ball.
Keeping their eye on the ball.

CUP: Glentoran

SHIELD: Ballinmallarad

SALVER: Carrick Rangers

ROSE BOWL: Warrenpoint Town

Under-11

CUP: Portadown

SHIELD: Loughgall

SALVER: Ballinmallarad

ROSE BOWL: Glenavon Colts

Under-12

CUP: Shelbourne

SHIELD: Portadown

SALVER: Carrick Rangers

ROSE BOWL: Cliftonville

Organised through ‘Playing for the Future’ – a football academy that brings communities together through sport – the Craigavon Cup saw players coming from all over Ireland to participate.

“For the very first year of this event to be held, it couldn’t have been any better with many of our local teams doing exceptionally well!” commented the Mayor of Craigavon Councillor Mark Baxter. “The preparation that went into the Craigavon Cup and the organisation on the day was second to none and I am delighted that Craigavon Borough Council was able to support such a worthy event.”

The Craigavon Cup was sponsored by McDonald’s and Sainsburys.

Related topics:MayorFermanagh