George Best Community Cup returns to the Soccer Centre of Excellence

June 26, 2018

The Billy Neill Soccer Centre of Excellence in Dundonald once again hosted the two day annual George Best Community Cup, the biggest Disability Football Tournament in the UK.

This annual tournament is run by the Irish Football Association (IFA) and supported by the George Best Foundation and Cash for Kids through the Mary Peters Trust.  It has taken place at the Billy Neill Soccer Centre of Excellence since 2005. 

Alderman Paul Porter, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, visiting the tournament, said: “This year over 50 five-a-side teams from disability football clubs across the UK and Ireland took part.  They competed across four ability bands, which are for differing levels of mental, physical and learning disabilities.  The ability and team spirit of all the participants was fantastic and made for an enjoyable competition.  All the participants gave their all throughout the tournament which saw over 300 games take place on the 12 pitches.  I believe over 500 goals were scored during the tournament which is no small achievement. 

“It was great to see so many clubs with male and mixed gender teams taking part; and I was delighted to have the opportunity to present some of the winning teams with their medals and cup.  I would like to thank the IFA for arranging this tournament in the Lisburn Castlereagh area once again and the Mary Peters Trust for continuing to support it.  We hope that everyone enjoyed their stay and the Council facilities at the Billy Neill Soccer Centre of Excellence.  Congratulations to all the players, their coaches and the volunteers who ensured this was a memorable tournament for everyone.”