Blackpool to host European Youth Football Competition

Blackpool is gearing up to welcome an impressive line-up of over 450 youth football teams and more than 14,500 attendees during the Easter and May Day bank holiday weekends for the much-anticipated Blackpool Cup tournaments.

In collaboration with Euro-Sportring, Europe’s largest organiser of international youth football tournaments, Blackpool Council and VisitBlackpool are excited to bring these events to life once again.

The tournaments are expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy while highlighting Blackpool’s appeal as a vibrant, family-friendly resort capable of hosting major international sporting events. Teams from twelve countries across Europe—including Malta, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Poland, Ireland, and the four home nations—alongside more than 60 local teams, are set to participate in what promises to be a truly thrilling festival of football and camaraderie.

Each weekend will commence with an official opening ceremony at the iconic Blackpool Tower Circus, taking place on Friday, April 18 and Friday, May 2. Matches will be played over both weekends at the Common Edge Community Sports Village and UCLan Sports Arena.

Gavin McIntyre, UK Tournaments Director for Euro-Sportring, expressed enthusiasm for the events: “The tournaments continue to thrive and expand each year, and we are immensely grateful to collaborate with VisitBlackpool and Blackpool Council. It’s a wonderful international celebration of football that the whole family can enjoy.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, added: “We are delighted to welcome so many young footballers and their families to experience not only our excellent new sports facilities but also the diverse attractions Blackpool has to offer. These weekends are sure to be a fantastic celebration of fun and football.”