JENKINS THANKS DEDICATED STAFF FOR ‘FANTASTIC’ INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

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Academy chief reflects on weekend’s action at the Training Centre

2023-06-05T12:41:46.484Z

JENKINS THANKS DEDICATED STAFF FOR ‘FANTASTIC’ INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Academy chief reflects on weekend’s action at the Training Centre

2023-06-05T12:41:46.484Z

Academy chief reflects on weekend’s action at the Training Centre

Paul Jenkins has praised The Clarets’ Academy International Cup with official Presenting Partner Ai.io, and believes the success of the event was testament to the hard work that has gone into it behind the scenes over the last 12 months.

First taking place in 2019 with 10 teams, the U13s tournament made its return in 2022 and this year expanded to 16 teams from across the globe.

After 64 matches, Portuguese outfit Sporting Lisbon were crowned champions having beaten Liverpool 1-0 in the final in front of a bumper crowd at the Burnley Training Centre.

JENKINS THANKS DEDICATED STAFF FOR ‘FANTASTIC’ INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT - Image 1

Jenkins said: “On behalf of our Chairman, Alan Pace, and myself, I would like to thank every member of staff at Burnley Football Club who have helped to plan, prepare and deliver such a fantastic event.

“Along with our main sponsor ai.io, they have all helped to put on a first class international youth tournament here, and one that all the clubs I have spoken to have really enjoyed.

“For us, it’s always about trying to make this tournament bigger and better, and the planning will start almost immediately as we look to do that for next year’s edition.”

Alongside Alan Pace, men’s team duo Jack Cork & Jay Rodriguez were on hand to dish out the awards at the end of the tournament.

JENKINS THANKS DEDICATED STAFF FOR ‘FANTASTIC’ INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT - Image 2

They came at the culmination of a three-day long event – also sponsored by Roco Clothing & Samba Sports - which yielded over 300 goals, 56 group stage games and eight ‘knockout’ games to decide the final standings.

Director of Football Development Jenkins believes that the tournament benefits everyone not only on the pitch, but off it too.

“What we take from it in footballing terms is obviously being able to attract clubs from all over and seeing how they do things with their young players.

“Away from the football itself though, I really do think this event helps to put not only the football club but the town of Burnley itself on the map.

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“Through the hard work of the staff, we’re able to accommodate the teams in the town and allow them to take in a little bit of what Burnley is all about. There are also local businesses on site throughout the weekend for refreshments.

“We’ve got lads here from Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, and they’re now saying that they’re going to be supporting Burnley in the Premier League next season.

“It’s fantastic, and it really is nice to see it all come together so successfully after months of work behind the scenes.”