The popular Clare Schoolboys/Girls Youth Soccer festival returns to the underage sporting calendar this weekend, the event is back bigger and better for 2022 with the addition of the Under-14 Gaynor Cup Section.

The preparation event has run since 2008 and has grown from a one-day, four-team event with 80 players to now being a two-day, 28-team competition with 560 players involved across County Clare.

The 2022 event will see 17 Kennedy Cup squads & 11 Gaynor Cup squads participate in a series of games aimed at fine-tuning each League’s respective preparations for the annual SFAI Kennedy Cup & Gaynor Cup tournaments to be held at the University of Limerick in June.

Speaking in relation to the 2022 event, FAI County Development Officer Denis Hynes stated: “The CSSL Youth Soccer Festival returns bigger and better in 2022. It has increased and grown in popularity since its inception in 2008, and this year thanks to the support of Clare County Council we are delighted to add the Under-14 Gaynor Cup section. The event is a great opportunity for the various Leagues to hone their preparations ahead of the official SFAI Kennedy Cup & Gaynor Cup tournaments.

“The event also showcases the excellent facilities that we have across County Clare. This year will see John O'Sullivan Park in Ennis host the U14 Gaynor Cup action on Sunday morning. While the high quality facilities at Avenue United, Lifford AFC, Tulla United, Newmarket Celtic and Lisdoonvarna Failte will host the Kennedy Cup action over the weekend. The standard of facilities and access to suitable accommodation in each region is also very important in making the event such a success.

"Post COVID and the enforced lockdown, the Festival gives everyone a lift as the young players take to the pitches again to represent their county. And County Clare welcomes supporters, families and friends once more.

For full fixture details visit: www.cssl.ie