This Is Jersey

By Carl Walker

THE Jersey U21 International Football Tournament has well and truly exploded onto the world map according to event organiser Iain Mackenzie .

And Mackenzie, a partner of Sporting Eventualities, along with Paul Sowney, added that the intentions are to have a second tournament in the year - featuring only national sides - and to give free entrance to the public if the right sponsorship can be attracted.

The Japan U23 side enjoyed their visit so much - one which was not part of a European tour but a specific visit to the tournament - that team organisers have already asked if they can be included every two years.

And teams such as Manchester United, Celtic and Boca Juniors are keen to return.

‘We have had some interest from some major international companies who would like to sponsor the event and if we can achieve this then there is a possibility that we can cut the ticket prices to ensure the crowd sizes increase further,’ said Mackenzie.

‘But the ball is now in their court.

We have shown we can do it and now people can understand our vision of having an event that is recognised world-wide and that has coverage world-wide, which allows members of the public and visitors to see football of this level.

We are now looking for people to come in as partners and take this tournament forward.’ Three major television channels in Japan are in negotiations to cover the team’s progress for 2006 and Mackenzie is hoping to get interest from British channels also.

‘A Hong Kong tournament this year included Manchester United and officials from the club told me that they played in the tournament because of the pressure from their sponsors, but branded it a Mickey Mouse cup with terrible pitches.

That tournament was covered by Sky television.

‘With the Jersey tournament we have been able to establish a competition which teams want to play in because it gives them the chance to play against teams they would never normally meet.

‘And the feedback we have had about the Springfield surface has been amazing.

Part of the Japan delegation said that there was not a better pitch in their country and only a handful that could compare to it.

That just shows that we do have world-class facilities here that shouldn’t be taken for granted.’ Talking about other possiblities for expansion, Mackenzie added: ‘We are looking at having a separate tournament at another point in the year to feature international teams, following the interest from Japan and other nations.

‘We have established this by expanding it into Guernsey and sponsors seem keen on the Channel Island package so we need to keep the momentum going,’ he said.

Article posted on 10th August, 2004 - 12.00am