Foyle Cup youth tournament kicks off in Derry

The 2012 Foyle Cup youth football tournament has kicked off in Londonderry.

Thousands of young footballers and their relatives have arrived in the north-west for the annual competition.

More than 160 teams will compete in this year's tournament.

Some have travelled from as far afield as Canada to take part in this year's event with entrants playing across age groups ranging from under-10 to under-19.

Bassam Naim is director with the ANB football academy in Ontario.

"Derry is a very hospitable city. The people are very nice. It is a very nice trip coming here."

Many local youth teams also take part.

Vincent Dunnion's son Conor plays for Oxford United.

"Conor looks forward to it all the time. It is always a highlight. He is meeting a lot of people from different countries and he really enjoys it."

Arklow United are regular participants in the Foyle Cup.

Manager Brian Byrne said they feel it is important to take part.

"This is our seventh visit. The tournament is an integral part of the player's pathway. It's something we like to them to do because we are preparing them for playing international football."

David Keeley is Arklow United's U-12 captain and is playing at the Foyle Cup for the first time.

"It feels great to be here. It is a great competition and I cannot wait to get out there to play."