Derry is set to host a semi-final of the Northern Ireland Football Cup (formerly the Milk Cup), the North’s top international youth football tournament being held in July.
David Beckham captained Manchester United when they won the Milk Cup in 1991.
Members of the council’s Development Committee are expected to back proposals to allocate £7.500 in funding to hold two group matches and a semi-final at Institute’s Riverside Stadium at Drumahoe.
Last year, the Council provided funding of £5,000 through the City of Culture Gap Funding (Delegated Authority) which saw two group stage matches play to near “sell out” crowds at the Drumahoe venue.
This year, the Council is being offered two “packages” – two group stage games (£5,000) or two group matches and a semi-final (£7,500).
Development committee members are expected to give the go ahead to the latter at their monthly meeting tomorrow when a recommendation by the council’s sports coordinator is presented to them by the Head of Culture from its Leisure and Community Services.
Meanwhile, following the Dairy Council’s withdrawal of sponsorship for the competition after 31 years, the organisers are currently negotiating a new title sponsorship deal with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.
Among the household football names who have played in the tournament since its inception have been: Wayne Rooney (with Everton), David Beckham (Manhester United), Steve McManaman (Liverpool), Ryan Giggs (Manchester United), Paul Scholes (Manchester United), Gary Neville (Manchester United) and Robbie Savage (Manchester United).
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