Josh Daniels believes the O’Neills Foyle Cup played a pivotal role in helping him fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
From captaining Derry & District to Foyle Cup glory to playing professionally in England, Europe and the Irish League, Daniels has enjoyed a career packed with memorable moments.
Yet the Glentoran winger still looks back on his experiences in the tournament as some of the most important of his football journey.
As the 2026 O’Neills Foyle Cup prepares to welcome a record-breaking 1,013 teams to the North West, Daniels has reflected on how the tournament helped provide the platform that launched his career.
“All the best players would get into the Derry & District team back then because there weren’t really academy sides in the way there are now,” said Daniels.
“All the best players from around the city would come together and, to be honest, those are probably some of the best memories from my young football career.
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“Playing for the Under-16s really gave me a platform. I captained the side to victory that year and we beat Inishowen Youth in the final.
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“From then, Northern Ireland started recognising me at underage level and it helped me get in and around the Derry City first team as well.
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“It really gave me a good platform to go and pursue a career in full-time football.”
That pathway would eventually take Daniels from Derry City to Shrewsbury Town in England, before successful spells with Glenavon and Welsh champions The New Saints.
Among the highlights was scoring the winning goal against Norwegian side Molde in a UEFA Europa League qualifier for Glenavon, one of the most memorable moments of his senior career.
However, Daniels believes the foundations for everything that followed were laid during tournaments like the Foyle Cup.
“The week itself is amazing,” he said.
“Being part of it, travelling around the different pitches, playing against different teams and meeting new people, it’s a brilliant experience.
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“It’s a fantastic opportunity for every player taking part and I wish them all the very best.”
The tournament has grown significantly since Daniels lifted the Under-16 title in 2012 and he believes this year’s participants have even greater opportunities to showcase their talent.
“I loved every minute of it and it’s such a massive week in the city,” he said.
“For a lot of young players, it’s like a mini World Cup. That’s what it feels like when you’re playing in it.
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“I think when I played, it probably wasn’t as big as it is now. The tournament has grown massively and the social media coverage now gives players an even bigger platform.
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“If you can get a bit of extra exposure through something like the Foyle Cup and it helps you take the next step in football, then that’s brilliant.
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“For the younger age groups, it’s all about enjoying the experience and making memories with your friends.
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“But for the older age groups, particularly the Under-15s, Under-16s, Under-17s and Under-18s, it can be a real opportunity as well.
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“All it takes is one good tournament and you never know who’s watching.”
Beyond the football itself, Daniels believes the O’Neills Foyle Cup plays a hugely important role in showcasing the city and wider region to visitors from across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.
“Football has always been a brilliant way of bringing people together and I think the Foyle Cup shows Derry in a really positive light,” he said.
“It’s fantastic for the city. The hotels are full, the restaurants are busy and there’s a brilliant atmosphere everywhere you go.
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“The place is buzzing for the entire week and that’s great for local businesses and for everyone involved.
“It’s a fantastic tournament and everyone who takes part knows how special it is to be involved.”
The 2026 O’Neills Foyle Cup will take place from Monday 20th to Saturday 25th July and is expected to welcome more than 20,000 players, coaches and officials to the North West.
A record 1,013 teams from across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and North America will compete across boys’, girls’ and disability categories from Under-8 to Under-19 level, with 3,942 matches scheduled across six days at more than 60 venues throughout Derry/Londonderry, Strabane, Limavady, Claudy, Greysteel, Coleraine, Dungiven, Castledawson, Inishowen and Donegal.
Crowds in excess of 200,000 spectators are expected during tournament week, delivering a significant boost to the regional economy through tourism, hospitality, retail and visitor spending.
The 2026 O’Neills Foyle Cup is supported by a valued network of partners and sponsors including Derry City & Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, O’Neills Sportswear, Derry Credit Union, Apex Housing, Ark Housing Association, Choice Housing, Radius Housing, Seagate, Inner City Trust, Brunswick Moviebowl, Ulster University and North West Regional College.
For more information on the O’Neills Foyle Cup visit www.foylecup.com.