Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and winger Raheem Sterling were guests of honour at the draw for this summer’s Milk Cup.
County Antrim man Rodgers who played three times for Ballymena in the 1980s said of the renown youth football sponsored by the Dairy council for Northern Ireland:
“This is one of the best adverts for Northern Ireland anywhere in the world, and as a footballer, playing in the Milk Cup is one of the best experience you’ll ever have in your life.
Raheem Sterling also admitted he was a big fan of the event, having watched it regularly on TV over the years.
“It is the kind of competition that lets young players like me chase the dream of making it into the professional game,” said the 18–year–old star on his first ever visit to Belfast.
Liverpool will be competing in both the Premier and Junior sections. Everton, Manchester United, Southampton and Newcastle United are also representing the Premier League.
Mexico will defend the Elite title they won last year and Junior champions Brentford are also on the way back.
Northern Ireland, two–time champions USA and 2011 winners Denmark will join Mexico in the Elite section.
Details of the draw can be found at www.NImilkcup.org
Pictured at the NI Milk Cup draw are Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, Michael Drayne, chairman of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.