The north coast has been transformed into a Mecca for football fans as the annual world-famous Milk Cup kicks off today.

Thousands of people are to flock to venues across the north west this week to take in the annual fiesta of football that this year has attracted teams from more than 20 countries across the globe.

Already the largest youth football tournament in the world, organisers of the Northern Ireland Milk Cup are hoping this year’s event will prove to be the biggest and best yet.

While the competition is centred on Coleraine, the towns of Limavady, Ballymoney, Portstewart, Broughshane and Ballymena will also play host to teams from all five continents.

Once again tournament organisers have managed to attract some of the biggest clubs in world football to the prestigious event.

As well as coaxing clubs from across Ireland and Britain, the national sides of Israel, Mexico and USA will also entertain local football fans this week.

True lovers of the beautiful game will be glad to hear that the colourful Etoile Lusitana team from Senegal, who set last year’s competition alight on and off the field, will be joined by English heavyweights Manchester United and Spurs, as well as clubs from Venezuela, America and Brazil.

Last night, hundreds turned out in Coleraine as the participating teams were paraded through the town.

One of the tournament’s organisers, Jim Sandford, said the competition offered the local economy a welcome shot in the arm as well as serving up a mouth-watering array of footballing talent.

He said: “It offers a lift to the tourism industry and that is an important part of the event.”

Manager of the Bushtown Hotel in Coleraine, Kieran McGilligan, says the competition is vital to the local economy.

He said: “We are full capacity this week. The Manchester United team and Desportivo Brasil are staying with us this week.

“This competition is fantastic for the north coast.”

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The Milk Cup began in 1983 with 16 teams participating at an Under 16 (Premier) level. Motherwell FC from Scotland were the first winners. The competition was founded by Jim Weir, Victor Leonard and the legendary player Bertie Peacock. The competition was extended in 1985 when an extra age group, the Under 14 (Junior) section was introduced.