Council Nets Milk Cup Winner

Coleraine Borough Council’s decision to increase its support for the Milk Cup, ensuring the youth football tournament will stage its finals night at the town’s Showgrounds underlines the immense importance of the event to the area, Ulster Unionist Assembly member David McClarty has said. The MLA, a staunch supporter of the competition, said the Council had made an important move to safeguard the future of one of the Province’s biggest tourist assets. “I am pleased that there was widespread backing for the Milk Cup Committee over this issue and that the Council will not only be increasing its financial support but also providing additional temporary floodlighting and accommodation for the finals night at the Showgrounds in August. “The Milk Cup is such a massive success story for the North Coast region. It is more than just an international youth football tournament though it is a hugely significant tourist magnet which draws in people from around the world and it would have been unthinkable if its crowning glory, the finals night, had been forced away from the area because of a deficiency in facilities.” Mr. McClarty, who last year expressed his concerns about the future of the finals at Coleraine, added: “Coleraine Council realises that all the people of the Borough have a part ownership in this wonderful event. “There is an enormous sense of civic pride in it evidenced by the massive numbers of people who turn out to welcome the competing teams from around the world. “We all enjoy Milk Cup week and the buzz it brings to the area. It has established itself as a major player in bringing local people together and giving them the opportunity to extend a welcome to visitors from a diverse variety of backgrounds. “Importantly, it is a family attraction too with mums, dads, sons and daughters all able to support and enjoy it. No event could have any better recommendation.” Mr. McClarty expressed the hope that in future the Showgrounds as a venue can be enhanced to secure the finals and boost the Coleraine Football Club. However, he added that there was still a long way to go in this direction.

08 Apr 2005 by Editor 0 comments