QPR Under-16's are heading to Northern Ireland for the Foyle Cup later this month, as their pre-season preparations heat up.
Marc Bircham will take charge of the teenagers in the six-day tournament in Derry, which starts on Monday 19th July.
Rangers have been drawn in Group H, along with Ballymoney United, Donegal Colts and Glentoran FC.
About the tournament...
This event began in 1992 at the request of Derry City Council as part of Impact 92 programme. Since then, Derry City Council have continued to play a major part in the development of the tournament. The organisers, the Derry & District Youth F.A. enjoy an excellent relationship with and tremendous support from, Derry City Council's Development Department, who not only provide financial support but provide playing surfaces free of charge.
In the first year the event was essentially Northern Ireland based and clubs affiliated to the Northern Ireland Boys Football Association were invited to participate. It was staged over one day, with 8 teams taking part in an U-14 and U-16 event.
The event began to attract interest from mainland Britain and demand for places in the tournament increased, with entries now arriving from England, Scotland and Wales. As the demand increased so too did the number of entries and the length of the tournament. Growth in the tournament witnessed an entry of almost 90 teams from all over the UK for a six day event in 2005.
The quality of entry has increased steadily each year with the top Clubs in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland travelling to Derry to compete as well as a few annual entries from mainland Europe and North America. Every few years teams travel from South Africa.
