A ray of California sunshine lit up Ulster's rain-sodden north coast yesterday.

A 43-strong party from the massive South Coast Bayern Club touched down for Europe's top youth tournament next week.

Two teenage teams from the US will compete at the Milk Cup and president Marissa Pena said: “It's great to be back!”

She has been a regular visitor to the north west since the club first took part in 2007.

The American visitors are based in Coleraine, but will be back on their travels today, heading to Newcastle, Co. Down, to play warm up friendly games at Donard Park.

The Premier team kick off their Milk Cup mission on Monday with a game against the first Venezuelan side to play at the tournament, San Agustin while the Juniors have a date with Chelsea at Coleraine Showgrounds.

Before that, both teams will take part in Sunday's parade in Coleraine when more than 900 players will walk through from the Town Hall to the Showgounds where US Open champion Graeme McDowell will officially open the tournament.