THE DRAW for the inaugural North West of Ulster Intermediate Cup was made this afternoon in Dungiven.
The innovative Cup competition is a collaboration between the Ulster Senior League and the NI Intermediate League.
Picture caption: Ulster Senior League representatives Niall Callaghan, Jason Gibson and Mark Duffy with Terence McMacken and Jerry Stewart from the NI Intermediate League.
Dates for the games will be confirmed in the coming days.
The new competition – which sees six teams from the USL and seven from the NI Intermediate League take part – is the first of its kind as a cross-border format at intermediate level.
A group of six and a group of seven will play off in the first phase of the competition.
Three Ulster Senior League teams will be drawn in each of the two groups and teams from the same League will not play against each other in the group phase.
“This will freshen things up for our Leagues and all of our clubs are excited about the new competition,” said Ulster Senior League secretary Niall Callaghan.
“There will be some great games in store and it will be a good standard. Something like this is just what our League needed and the clubs from the NI League feel the same.
“Both Leagues are in similar positions at the moment and we are delighted to get it over the line.”
The USL Secretary acknowledged the support of the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish FA in enabling the commencement of the competition.
Group 1
Newbuildings
Finn Harps Reserves
Strabane Athletic
Bonagee United
Ardstraw
Fanad United
Group 2
Maiden City
Letterkenny Rovers
Dungiven
Cockhill Celtic
Newtowne
Derry City Reserves
Magherafelt Sky Blues
OPENING FIXTURES – Dates to be confirmed
Group 1: Newbuildings v Finn Harps Reserves; Strabane Athletic v Bonagee United; Ardstraw v Fanad United
Group 2: Maiden City v Letterkenny Rovers; Dungiven v Cockhill Celtic; Newtowne v Derry City Reserves