Craigavon Cup proves great success as young players battle for glory
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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Hide AdThe heats were held in Gordon Playing Fields with the finals then held in Mourneview Park – the home of Glenavon Football Club.
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
SHIELD: Shamrock Rovers
SALVER: Dungannon
ROSE BOWL: Derry City
Under-10
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.