JERSEY’S Black Horse Offshore World Cup 2006 inter-community football tournament kicks off next Monday.

The tournament’s first game, at a venue still to be decided, will be between Ireland and Portugal.

The draw was made yesterday with England, Portugal and Ireland lining up in Group A and Scotland, Jersey and Poland in Group B.

Organiser Iain Mackenzie, of Sporting Eventualities, said: ‘The interest in the tournament has been excellent, especially from the national association’s who have helped us by providing full kits.

‘I believe Jersey is the only place in the world running a pre-World Cup 2006 football tournament and it has generated good interest home and away.

‘I’m sure it will be a great spectacle and show everyone how Jersey’s multi-national communities, live, work and play together in harmony.

‘All the team managers are now in place, too, so anyone who wants to play can submit their names to them for selection.’ The team managers are Pat Brennan (Scotland), Joe Morley (England), Nelio De Freitas (Portugal), Ian Horswell (Poland), Frank McNeaney (Ireland) and Dave Matthews and Tim Houghton (Jersey).

Mackenzie added: ‘Prospect players can get in touch by e-mail and we will forward the details on to the relevant manager.’ The e-mail address is eventuality@localdial.com Development is also playing a part in the World Cup tournament as each squad of 20 must include a minimum of three players currently not registered to play football in the Island.

All players who take part will have been born in, or be the first generation of, the country or island they represent.

Proof will be required if there is any doubt.

A junior girls six-a-side tournament will mirror the men’s event.

Year 7 and 8 pupils will play their matches at the Hockey Club this Sunday at 1.30 pm.

All girls teams will play-off for their final places at Springfield before the men’s play-off games and the final.

The play-offs are on 3 and 4 May with the final on Sunday 7 May.

Men’s matches are: Ireland v Portugal (Monday 24 April); Scotland v Poland (Tuesday 25 April); Ireland v England (Wednesday 26 April); Scotland v Jersey (Thursday 27 April); Portugal v England (Saturday 29 April); Poland v Jersey (Thursday 2 May).