Maiden City Soccer and O'Neills Foyle Cup 2026 badges over the Lisneal College 4G pitches

Maiden City Soccer & O’Neills Foyle Cup 2026

We are delighted to once again host the annual O’Neills Foyle Cup at our grounds in partnership with Lisneal College.

We look forward to welcoming players, coaches, families and supporters from near and far, and hope everyone enjoys a fantastic week of football on our brand-new 4G pitch.

As we prepare for a busy tournament, we kindly ask everyone to familiarise themselves with a few important ground rules that will be strictly followed throughout Foyle Cup week.

Our number one priority is ensuring every child enjoys playing football in a safe, positive and pressure-free environment. We encourage everyone to cheer the players on, but please refrain from shouting instructions from the sidelines. Let the coaches do the coaching, and allow the children the freedom to play, learn and enjoy the game.

Foyle Cup visitor information

Above all, be kind, be patient and be respectful to players, officials, volunteers and fellow supporters.

We can’t wait to welcome you all and wish every team the very best of luck for an unforgettable week at the O’Neills Foyle Cup.

Lisneal College 4G pitch divided into pitches A, B, C and D

Pitch Set-Up & Ground Rules

To help the tournament run as smoothly as possible, please take a moment to familiarise yourself with our pitch set-up and ground rules.

🔴 Pitch Set-Up

Our full-size 4G pitch will be divided into four sections throughout the five-day tournament: Pitch A · Pitch B · Pitch C · Pitch D.

Each pitch will use 7-a-side goals with clearly marked goalkeeping areas and penalty boxes.

🔴 Pitch Access

Only players, coaches and match officials involved in the game are permitted inside the fenced playing area.

🔴 Food & Drink

To help protect our 4G surface, no food is to be eaten on the pitch at any time. Please use the surrounding grass areas or outside the perimeter fencing for lunches and snacks.

🔴 Coach Positioning

Coaches from the same team must remain together on one side of the pitch. Coaches are not permitted to stand on opposite sides, helping to reduce unnecessary noise and allowing players to focus on the game.

🔴 Respect & Behaviour

Maiden City Soccer has a zero-tolerance policy towards abusive, aggressive or unacceptable behaviour.

Any aggression or inappropriate behaviour towards players, coaches, referees, Maiden City Soccer volunteers or spectators may result in:

  • The match being stopped.
  • Individuals being asked to leave the venue.
  • The incident being reported to O’Neills Foyle Cup, which may lead to further disciplinary action or sanctions.

Our priority is creating a safe, enjoyable and positive environment where every child can play with confidence.

Maiden City Soccer Academy Let the Kids Play silent sidelines guidance

Lisneal Sports Grounds – Ground Rules

🔇 Silent Sidelines

We kindly ask all spectators to support our Silent Sidelines initiative and simply LET THE KIDS PLAY.

The Foyle Cup is an exciting week for every young player, and with that comes added nerves and pressure. Please encourage the players, but do not shout instructions or direct them from the sidelines.

Let the coaches coach.
Let the kids be kids.
Let the referees referee.

PLEASE REMEMBER:
THIS IS A GAME.
THESE ARE CHILDREN.
THE COACHES ARE VOLUNTEERS.
REFEREES ARE HUMAN.
MISTAKES WILL HAPPEN.

Any aggressive behaviour, abusive conduct or foul language towards players, coaches, referees, volunteers or spectators will not be tolerated, and individuals may be asked to leave the grounds.

📋 Ground Rules

  1. Respect
    Please show respect to players, coaches, volunteers, officials, ground staff and fellow spectators at all times. Inappropriate behaviour, foul language or violence will result in removal from the premises.
  2. No Smoking 🚭
    Smoking is strictly prohibited within the pitch complex. Smoking is only permitted within the designated car park areas. Please dispose of cigarette ends responsibly.
  3. No Dogs 🐕
    No dogs are permitted on the premises, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.
  4. Pitch Access ⚽
    Only players, coaches, match officials and authorised ground staff are permitted inside the playing area. Spectators and parents must remain outside the pitch fencing.
  5. Fences & Goals 🚫
    Please do not climb, sit or lean on any fences or gates. Children must not swing or climb on the goal net supports or surrounding structures.
  6. Litter 🗑️
    Please help us keep the venue clean by using the bins provided. Pick it. Clean it. Bin it.
  7. Changing Rooms 👕
    There will be no changing room access during the tournament. All players should arrive dressed and ready to play.
  8. Toilet Facilities 🚻
    Toilets will be extremely busy throughout the week. Please be patient and respectful while waiting your turn.
  9. Car Parking 🅿️
    Two designated car parks are available: beside the pitches and across the road beside Lisneal College. Under no circumstances should vehicles park on the farm access lane or block any gates leading to the pitches. These areas will be coned off and must remain clear at all times. Our volunteers will be on-site to assist with parking. Please follow their instructions and be patient as we safely accommodate everyone.
Grassroots football reminder that children are playing, coaches are volunteers and referees are human
Young Maiden City player holding a football at Foyle Cup

Foyle Cup Lisneal Fixtures Links 🔗

Lisneal Pitch A
Lisneal Pitch B
Lisneal Pitch C
Lisneal Pitch D
A parent embracing a young Maiden City player at the football grounds

Have a Great Week, Everyone

And please remember that it is all about the kids.

Best wishes,
Maiden City Football Club