SINCE the untimely passing of Derry City’s late captain Ryan McBride on March 19, 2017, the club says it has given much thought to how best to honour his memory and everything he encapsulated as a captain.
The Brandywell club say in a statement: “Ryan was humble, determined, honourable and above all kind hearted.
“Off the field Ryan was first to get involved in the community and never turned down the opportunity to have a kick about with the kids.
“He spent a lot of time over the years visiting different schools, youth groups and smaller football clubs and was always in attendance when visiting the children’s ward at Altnagelvin Hospital.
“We here at Derry City Football Club feel that the best way we can honour Ryan’s memory is to create a tournament which will include different communities throughout the city.
“We want to make the Brandywell a place where everyone feels welcome irrespective of colour, creed, sex and back-ground because that’s what Ryan did; he included everyone and made everyone feel welcome.
“Tonight the club will officially launch the first year of ‘The Ryan McBride All Inclu5ive Cup’ in Longtower Youth Club at 7:30pm.
“The tournament will take place on the 05/05/18 and will include 8 communities from both the Waterside and Cityside areas.
“Kenny and some of our players will also take the time to visit these youth clubs in the coming weeks.
“Yesterday was the first of those visits when The Cathedral Youth Club in the Fountain area of the city welcomed us with open arms and showed tremendous spirit.” (pictured below)
