For more than 30 years, NWRC Employer Liaison Officer Dick Tucker has been part of the Foyle Cup journey, having first got involved in the tournament's inaugural year in 1992.
From refereeing matches to leading referee recruitment and appointments, he has witnessed the competition grow from a small local event to a world-renowned tournament welcoming over 1,000 teams each year.
Driven by a commitment to young people across the North West, he says the friendships forged, the opportunities created for players and referees, and the unique atmosphere of the opening parade keep him coming back year after year – whatever the weather.
Read more about his Foyle Cup story and why the tournament remains so important to our region
Job title at NWRC?
Employer Liaison Officer.
How long have you been working at NWRC?
10 years.
When did you first start with the Foyle Cup?
1992 - in its inaugural year.
What different roles have you held with the competition?
Referee
Looking after footballs, ensuring we had enough, at the correct pressure and enough for the week!
Gen Admin. In Referee Dept.
Responsible for Referee Recruitment and Appointments to fixtures
What is it about the tournament that makes you get involved every year?
A long standing commitment to and membership of the Derry & District Youth Football Association – in effect to the young people of the City and District.
Have you seen many big changes throughout the years?
From 8 times in 1982 to Over 1,000 teams and almost 4,000 fixtures.
Referees coming from all over the world to the tournament.
Have you any standout moments?
Many! Officiating in all the major finals over the years.
The friendships forged through taking part in the tournament.
What motivates you to keep going – even on day when the weather is horrendous?
2 teams are depending on the referee – ‘no ref, no game!’
How big a team is involved and how much work takes place across the year?
Hundreds of volunteers all play a part in ensuring venues are ready, marked out, teams/referees get to venues across the wider North West nowadays, tidied at the end of the day and ready to go in the morning.
Why is the competition so important to the North West?
Selfishly from my area of involvement, it offers great development opportunities to up and coming referees, as well as young players. Every child who plays football will long remember their Foyle Cup participation.
To the local economy, it is worth millions in bed nights and money spent in the hospitality industry/on public transport.
The opening parade is a sight to behold and we have young people from all over the island of Ireland and further afield, marching side by stand, carrying their respective flags in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
What are you most looking forward to in 2026?
Getting out on the field in all four seasons, which the Foyle Cup normally throws up.
A hot bath on Saturday evening... and a pint or two
