Louvre backed Guernsey team play in Gothia Cup

Wednesday 18 July 2018

Louvre Group has sponsored the Guernsey team for a fifth consecutive year, making it possible for the U15s to participate in the Gothia Cup which is currently underway in Sweden.

The Gothia Cup is the world’s largest and most international youth football tournament. Each year, around 1,600 teams from 80 nations take part, playing 4,500 games on 110 fields.

Kevin Gilligan, Managing Director of Louvre Fund Services, said: "Going on past years, the Gothia Cup proves to be an invaluable experience for the boys. 

"It gives them a chance to meet players from different countries all with various styles of football.

"We are thrilled to be able to send another team over to be involved in this once in a lifetime opportunity, that they are sure to remember for a long time."

This year’s squad had been training twice a week since the Guernsey FA (GFA) season finished, focusing on tournament football skills ahead of the event which is now underway. Some of the players had also recently been on a UK tour which saw them play some of the best players in Gosport and Fareham. They were also involved in competitive games against academy sides from Portsmouth FC and Southampton FC.

Speaking of his team, coach Mark Ingrouille said: "While in the UK we, as coaches, got a real insight into the chemistry and make-up of our squad. Their motivation and enthusiasm to improve along with their analysis of the game and determination to play exceptional football shone through.

"We are so proud of the players for the pride that each one shows when they put on their green shirt and head out onto the field, and that each one gives everything they can during a game.

"This year the team will face Sweden, Norway and Brazil in the group stages, which is sure to test their skills."