Chief Minister praises wealth of local footballing talent

Tue, 10 Jun 2014

Picture by Gary Weightman

The Chief Minister has paid tribute to the Island's wealth of footballing talent.

He was asked this morning in the House of Keys to make a statement on the recent achievements of the Island's footballing community after a spate of recent success.

Despite being major underdogs, team Ellan Vannin reached the final of the World Football Cup in Sweden over the weekend, losing on penalties.

The Isle of Man National Football Team also won the English FA Inter league Cup Final in May.

Chief Minister Bell says participation in football on Island is an outstanding success, rivalling areas in England with populations of 2 million plus.

He also highlighted that in the last year two young player have signed professional contracts with Blackpool and Morecambe Football clubs.