The best footballers in Tower Hamlets will battle it out to be crowned the winners of the Mayor’s Cup 2012 after its official launch this week.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman invited local teams to enter the tournament, a four day football extravaganza kicking off on April 7.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Rahman said: “I am delighted to announce that we will once again be holding this prestigious sporting event. Football is a brilliant way for us to bring together young people in the borough, especially in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Aimed at showcasing the borough’s rich footballing talent, this year’s competition will feature three categories including; junior, youth and adult. The juniors are a new category which covers mini soccer age groups U8’s through to U12’s. Girls will be involved for the first time and be competing in the 12-15yrs age banding.
Cllr Oliur Rahman, lead member for Children Services said: “The inaugural Mayor’s Cup last year was a phenomenal success and we are hoping that this year with the excitement of the Olympics, the tournament will be even bigger.”
The tournament is being jointly organised by Tower Hamlets Council Sports Development Team in partnership with community organisations and football clubs. Last year more than 500 young people took part in the competition with £23,000 raised through sponsorship.
The surplus sponsorship funds went on to benefit a raft of worthy causes in the borough and this year the council hopes to raise £100,000.
The knockout stages of the tournament will take place on Saturday 7 April (youth), Sunday 8 April (adults) at Victoria Park and Saturday 14 April (Juniors) at Mile End Astro turf pitches with all finals taking place on Sunday 15 April at Mile End Stadium.
To find out more about sponsoring the Mayor’s Cup or to take part call Derek Bennett on 020 7364 2681 or email Derek.Bennett@towerhamlets.gov.uk