The Northern Ireland Schools' Football Association schools’ cup competitions for 2024-25 have been officially launched.
NISFA will once again be running competitions for Under-16 boys', U16 girls' and U18 boys' teams.
Portadown College, winners of the U16 girls' final at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast earlier this year, in the school's centenary year, hosted the launch.
Also represented at the event were the winners of the U16 and U18 boys’ cups this year, Belfast schools De La Salle College and Our Lady and St Patrick's College Knock.
The three schools have joined an impressive entry list of 97 post primary schools participating in one or more of this season's NISFA competitions, indicating a vibrant future for schools’ football in Northern Ireland.
The trophy first presented for schools' football here in 1925, renamed in 1998 as the Malcolm Brodie Cup, took centre stage at the launch event.
Over the next six months schools will battle it out in a series of rounds leading to consecutive finals on the same day next March for girls’ and boys’ teams in U16 finals which will be hosted by the Irish Football Association at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
And later that month the U18 boys’ final will be staged at the Blanchflower Stadium in east Belfast where the Malcolm Brodie Cup will be presented to the winners.
NISFA chairman Robert McVeigh offered words of encouragement to all the participating teams and spoke of the collaborative spirit fuelling the schools’ cup competitions.
He said: "As the season progresses the excitement will build in schools ahead of each match, promising a memorable experience for all involved, especially the young players when they showcase their skills.
“I thank the teachers and schools who prepare teams and respond to communications while they deal with increasing professional demands.
“It is pleasing to report that sport, and in particular association football with its global appeal, is playing a part in responding to the social and sustainable issues schools have been directed to address."
