SFAI welcome SBYL into this year’s SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup
The Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland have recently confirmed the inclusion of the South Belfast Youth League in this year’s SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup.
Their inclusion comes following the SDFL’s withdrawal from the competition, and builds upon an already very strong relationship between the SFAI and NIBFA.
Over recent years the both associations have come together to take part in the Subway Island of Ireland Challenge, with the competition taking place for the third time over the June Bank Holiday weekend this year.
The South Belfast Youth League will go into Group Three, alongside Galway, North Tipperary and Inishowen for the competition, which kicks off on June 11th in University of Limerick.
Speaking recently, SFAI Chairman John Earley said: “it was very unfortunate that the SDFL chose to withdraw from the competition this year, but having had interest before about entering, and because of the strong working and sporting relationship with the NIBFA, it was an obvious option to explore.”
The SFAI Chairman continued: “The SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup is well known to those in Northern Ireland, and the idea of a league representative team from South Belfast coming to play in Limerick for the five days is an exciting one for many reasons.”
Robert Johnston, Chairman of the South Belfast Youth League said the opportunity to compete in the SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup offers the players and the league a new opportunity, and all involved are eagerly awaiting the big kick-off.
Mr Johnston said: “South Belfast Youth League are delighted with the opportunity to participate in the 2019 New Balance Kennedy Cup, this is a tournament we have been well aware of for many years and have admired the level of promotion and support it receives throughout the country.”
He continued: “We are the first league team from Northern Ireland to take part in the event and we are looking forward to a new challenge and making many new friends throughout the week.”
The South Belfast Youth League will consist of club players from across the league. In total, almost 240 clubs will be represented at this year’s SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup, and it is those clubs, led by volunteers, that deserve some credit for nurturing the players.
The opening games of this year’s competition will begin at 4pm on June 11th, with the second set of fixtures being played at 6pm.
For the full run down of the competition click here:
