Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Shankill football clubs team up for massive cross-community tournament

Organisers of a cross-community football tournament are gearing up for the seventh running of the popular event.

The Michael (Minnie) Morrison Foundation competition will be held across four venues in the Greater Shankill area next month. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday, September 2.

The major tournament has been organised by all teams from the Shankill area including Albert Foundry, Springfield Star, Berlin Swifts, Shankill Juniors, 22nd Old Boys, Shankill United and Woodvale FC.

Read more: Celtic complete signing of former Glenavon goalkeeper Josh Clarke

John Haveron from Albert Foundry Academy told Belfast Live: "We can't wait for this year's tournament which once again brings clubs together from different communities.

"It just goes to show how grassroots clubs can work together and bring something positive to the area. We have secured some funding from Belfast City Council this year so everything is in place for another cracking event.

"The Friday opening ceremony is always a special occasion. It is a bit similar to what you would see at the SuperCupNI with all the teams and officials parading.

"All of the clubs have put in so much hard work in recent months to get to where we are today, and now we can't wait for the tournament itself."

The opening ceremony will take place on September 2 where all the clubs involved will meet at Springfield Dam on the Springfield Road between 5.30-6pm before starting the parade at 6.15pm.

They will walk up Springfield Road to the roundabout along West Circular Road and turn right into Paisley Park Sportsplex.

Belfast Lord Mayor Tin Black will also be in attendance to say a few words.

"The Storm Troopers (Star Wars ) and local cheerleading dance group Olympus Girls are also confirmed for the night, so it should be great," John added.

"A lot of work has been put in to make this 2022 tournament the biggest yet with over 1400 boys and girls involved.

"It would be great for all the teams to take part on the opening night as we have loads planned for the kids such as bouncy castles, free barbecue, refreshments, a top DJ and fun games."

The tournament will be played at four venues - Paisley Park Sportsplex, Clarendon Sports Facility, Advantage Park and the Hammer Complex.

Each age group will play at different venues over the weekends in September with games being played on Friday night and Sunday morning/afternoon.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.