The magic of international football
Ever since its beginnings in 1994, the Blackpool Cup has always had a wide range of international participants. Each year, the participants represent around ten nationalities. Alongside the fixed participants from England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland, another five nationalities from the continent register every year. The secret? Every team has its own agenda: one team really goes for the international competition, whereas another goes for the attractions of Blackpool and the other wants to soak up the magic of football icons such as Manchester United and FC Liverpool. Everyone has their own priorities, but the Blackpool Cup has grown to become a real football classic.
Photo Gallery
Program
Sport facilities
The Blackpool Cup is played at the beautiful sports parks of the famous Uclan Sports Arena in Preston and the brand New state of the art purpose built Blackpool Enterprise Zone. Blackpool Enterprise Zone is on the edge of Blackpool and has 12 pitches and numerous kiosks selling snacks. The Uclan Sports Area has 10 pitches and a restaurant: ‘the Final Whistle’. Uclan Sports Arena is around 30 minutes by car from Blackpool.
About the organiser
The Blackpool Cup is organised by the Sir Tom Finney FC. This club is a grassroots club offering children and adults of all social backgrounds the opportunity to play football in a competitive environment. Sir Tom Finney FC has 14 youth, 2 senior, 2 ladies and a disabled team in competition.
Touristic information
Blackpool: "never a dull moment"
Even if Blackpool (140,000 inhabitants) is not the entertainment capital of Europe, it certainly is of the UK. The Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle Water Park, Blackpool Zoo, Blackpool Tower, The Big One, Sea Life World, South Pier – the town boasts an endless list of theme parks and entertainment. Not mention countless theatres, café-bars, pubs and restaurants and the renowned Hounds Hill Shopping Centre. In short, Blackpool is bustling with activity and entertainment. You’ll never find time to do it all!
Old Trafford
50 kilometres away from Blackpool is Old Trafford football stadium, home to Manchester United. Whether you're a fan or not, true football fans won't want to miss this stadium. There are daily tours, except on match days. Good to know: Old Trafford has its own train and metro stop. Click here for more information about a stadium tour.
Pleasure Beach & Sandcastle Waterpark
Pleasure Beach on the Ocean Boulevard in Blackpool is a gigantic ‘amazement park’ with no less than 145 attractions, including 12 rollercoasters. One of the rollercoasters is the biggest and fastest in England. So can you get in? Tournament participants get a discount on the price of entry to Pleasure Beach.
Sandcastle Waterpark is the largest indoor waterpark in England. This tropical pool paradise boasts several swimming pools, a wave pool and thrilling water slides like the Masterblaster and Thunderfalls Waterslide.
