Broughshane set to bloom in MIlk Cup week

As well as a spectacular international football event with teams from every continent in the world the organisation of the event is an opportunity for the community to come together.

Volunteers of all ages are already being co-ordinated and advised on their roles for the tournament eg catering for all teams and visitors in the community centre, stewarding the ground, instructions for the ballboys, and providing entertainment and dancing prior to every match so that a family atmosphere is maintained.

Many of the volunteers will renew acquaintances with friends they have met in previous years including managers, coaches, scouts and even former directors of some of the world’s leading clubs.

As well as preparations at the pitch which as always is in superb condition thanks to the grounds maintenance team of Ballymena Borough Council, the Village Improvement Committee have also been working hard to ensure the village is looking it’s best for the influx of international visitors from all over the world.

Among the visitors will be the friends and players of South Coast Strikers from California a Club which has now built a strong relationship with the Broughshane community over the last three years.

Their Premier team will be playing Desportivo Brazil at 3.30pm on Monday and their Junior team will be playing County Tyrone on Wednesday afternoon both at the Community Centre pitch in Broughshane.

Broughshane are also delighted to welcome the teams from County Antrim, Hartlepool Utd, County Down, Dundalk SL, County Fermanagh, Cruz Azul (Mexico) and last years Premier Section Milk Cup Winners Etoile Lusitania from Senegal over the first three days of the tournament.

Sandy Wilson, Chairman of Broughshane Improvement Committee and a member of the N Ireland Milk Cup Committee commented: “ Our community is extremely proud to be associated with such a prestige tournament and it’s credibility ignites a willing army of volunteers of all ages to become involved in the organisation of the event and to be ambassadors for the village, the Borough and N Ireland to an International audience”.

Jim Sandford, PRO for the Milk Cup expressed the Tournament Committee’s thanks for the wonderful job the Broughshane Community does on behalf not only of the village but also the Milk Cup by providing such a welcoming atmosphere for all the participants and spectators.

“The Milk Cup has built up its reputation over the past 29 years by showing a terrific welcome to all those who visit the area and Broughshane is exceptionally good at that.

“We know from speaking with participants and spectators that the Broughshane venue is one which the teams and their supporters eagerly look forward to going to.”