Derry City's Young Stars Honour Ryan McBride
Almost 20 teams took part in the annual Ryan McBride Cup at Daisyfield Sports Hub on Wednesday, with the tournament once again honouring the memory of the late Derry City captain who died suddenly in 2017. Teams taking part were asked to honour Ryan's spirit throughout the competition, with special awards handed out for fair play, loyalty, teamwork, passion and leadership, alongside the on-field results.
What Happened?
The Ryan McBride Cup is a annual tournament that brings together local schools and youth teams from across Derry and further afield. The competition has become a fixture in the city's football calendar, combining competitive fun with a tribute to a player still fondly remembered on and off the pitch.
Why it Matters for Derry City
Ryan McBride's legacy continues to inspire young footballers in Derry. The Ryan McBride Foundation, which supports young footballers in the city, has seen its work go from strength to strength since the captain's passing. The foundation's project coordinator, Daithí McCallion, said: "This is a brilliant day of football for everybody involved, we've got the guts of 20 teams here. It is great to see young people out enjoying themselves and their football."
What Comes Next?
The Ryan McBride Cup is expected to return next year as the Foundation continues its work supporting young footballers across Derry. The tournament is a testament to the enduring legacy of Ryan McBride, who will always be remembered as a quiet but deeply respected leader who led by example rather than words.
Derry City currently sits 6th in the Premier Division with 33 points from 27 games, 7 wins, 12 draws and 8 losses. They are 21 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. The team's recent form has been impressive, with 3 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 games. They are on a 3-game winning run and will look to continue their momentum in their next fixture against Bohemians on August 21st.
