Spanish stars Malaga CF for Umbro Cup
Ireland manager Giovanni Trappatoni at the launch of the Umbro Cup.
By Roisin Peddle
Another prestigious name has been entered into the Umbro Galway Cup, which takes place next week. Malaga CF will be the first Spanish team to compete in the tournament.
This year’s competition will see almost 50 teams from nine countries battle to win the underage cup. Hosted in Drom Soccer Park, which is home to Salthill Devon FC, there will be 120 matches played across five different sections; the 1995 Cup, 1997 Elite, 1997 Boys, 1999 Boys, and 1999 Elite.
Many past players in the Umbro Galway Cup have gone on to play at professional and international levels. This year’s 1997 Boys’ Elite line-up is exciting, with teams such as Manchester City, Republic of Ireland, Dynamo Moscow, and Malaga CF gracing the pitch over the course of the four-day event.
Malaga kick off their campaign against Dubliners St Kevin’s Boys on Wednesday August 8 at 4.45pm. The Spanish team will then play two teams on Thursday August 9; Israeli side Maccabi Haifa, and Premier League winning club, Manchester City.
Tournament director Denis Burke, said he is looking forward to seeing what Malaga CF will bring to the competition.
“The organisers are delighted to welcome Malaga to this year’s tournament,” he said. “The La Liga academy side will be the first Spanish team to compete in the tournament and will be expected to bring typical Spanish attacking flair to the competition.”
Main cup sponsor Umbro has been joined by Failte Ireland, Galway City Council, Supermac’s, the Ardilaun hotel, Smyths, Specsavers, Nivea, and Finches in supporting this year’s competition. The organisers would like to thank the sponsors for their support.
The event kicks off on Wednesday August 8 at 10.40am, when Republic of Ireland take on Aberdeen. The event finishes on Saturday August 11. Four-day passes are available at the gate, priced at €20 for adults and €10 for children. Daily passes are also available, costing €6 for adults and €3 for children.
For more information and for a full list of teams, visit www.galwaycup.com or call Denis Burke on 087 7442 877.
