Unite the Union Champions' Cup called off

The Unite the union Champions' Cup 2021 has been called off due to scheduling issues.

Unite the union, the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Football Association had planned to host an expanded four-team version featuring two teams from the League of Ireland and two from the Irish League but Covid-19 disrupted the tournament when the season in the Republic of Ireland was extended.

A new date has not materialised but talks will now commence on the future of the competition itself while £50,000 will be invested into communities and schools in the catchment areas of the teams involved.

Unite the union deputy regional secretary Davy Thompson said: "Whilst we are disappointed that the tournament couldn't be concluded, we do acknowledge the pressures on clubs, players and staff coupled with the split seasons and the difficulties this brings when trying to organise a competition of this nature.

"Covid is something that no one could have envisaged as we entered into this project and has played a significant part in this outcome. We will continue to work closely with both associations and the clubs to advance our community activities which were at the core of this competition."

Unite Community coordinator in the Republic Rhona McCord highlighted the successes of the initiative with League of Ireland clubs.

She said: "We have engaged with Dundalk FC, Shamrock Rovers and St Patricks Athletic sponsoring football gear and training for young football players at Mosney Direct Provision Centre; sponsoring the Sport Against Racism football team Hijabs & Hat tricks and providing wheelchairs for the Irish Wheelchair Association basketball team in Dundalk. We also worked with clubs to launch a STEM education resource for schools in