The Irish FA are delighted to announce that the Translink Schools Gold Cup will running again this year. The competition proved a major success last year with Our Lady & St Patrick’s Knock narrowly defeating St Columb’s College on points on the final’s day.
The Translink Schools’ Gold Cup involves the only eight post-primary schools who have been awarded the Gold Schools Quality Mark accreditation by the Irish FA Foundation.
The Schools Quality Mark accreditation supports schools to put structures in place to develop football. The competition involving schools playing each other across three age groups (U13, U15, U17).
Schools will again be ranked by their performances over all age groups with one school winning the Translink Gold Cup and claiming ‘Top Football Performance School’ status in Northern Ireland.
The Irish FA are delighted that Translink are again the sponsor and transport provider for the competition. Michael Boyd, Director of Football Development in the Irish FA Foundation, said:
“It is fantastic that Translink have renewed the sponsorship this year. The Schools Quality Mark is a vital aspect of the Irish FA’s ‘Let them play’ strategy and this competition celebrates schools that have worked hard to ensure participants have the best opportunity to play football in schools.
Last year the competition provided some enthralling football all culminating in a fantastic final’s day for all involved. I feel that this year the competition will exceed all expectation and look forward to the start in September.”
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “As the main school transport provider in Northern Ireland, we’re committed to supporting pupil development and wellbeing. In particular, we value the importance of promoting an active and healthy lifestyle – something this competition is all about. After the fantastic success of the inaugural competition, I think we can all expect even more end-to-end action, talent and all-round good sportsmanship.
“I’d like to thank the IFA for working in partnership with Translink to deliver this fantastic initiative. I’d also like to pay tribute to all the coaches who train, motivate and inspire their players to be the best they can be. Good Luck to all the teams - I hope you enjoy another fantastic competition!”
The first round of games in the Translink Schools Gold Cup taking place on Tuesday 24TH September 2019 are:
St Malachy’s College v Laurelhill Community College
Holy Cross v Boys' Model
Ashfield Boys v Our Lady & St Patrick’s College, Knock
St Columb’s College v Bangor Academy
