Progressive Mayo soccer club to host special academy tournament

A new youth tournament is set to take place as Westport United hosts the first Westport Summer Cup at Abbvie United Park from Wednesday, July 22, to Friday, July 24. The event will welcome U15 and U16 teams including Xamax FC from Switzerland, Coleraine FC from Northern Ireland, Sligo Rovers, Galway United, Straide & Foxford United, and Castlebar Celtic, alongside the host club Westport United. Organizers expect nearly 200 players competing in about 30 matches over three days, with semi-finals and finals concluding Friday evening. The concept was developed by Kevin McIntyre, from Kilmeena, who now lives in Neuchâtel with his wife, Niamh Browne, and whose sons are in the Xamax academy. The tournament also aims to support the local economy, with more than 40 Xamax players and coaches staying for a two-week pre-season camp.