It is the first time that KOA, the Cyprus Sports Organisation, has collaborated with KOPA, the Cypriot Football League in theUK, on a joint initiative. Both have worked to form Under 16’s and Under 18’s Youth teams here in theUK, with the intention to produce Cypriot players for the Cyprus National Team and Cypriot league Clubs.
These Youth teams were formed a year ago and together they have trained and played a number of matches on a KOPA representative level.
KOPA are selecting a squad of players from the group engaged in training and matches in preparation for a trip to Cyprus. The squad will be flying out on Saturday 27th October 2012 and returning on Monday 5 November. The provisional programme will see the team playing three matches involving the Under 18’s teams of Apollon and AEL FC in Limassol and the Cyprus National under 18’s team.
KOA has kindly agreed to fund the full board accommodation in Limassol and has paid for the kit.
KOPA have financed the training and games so far. One match was played at Barnet FC’s ground at Underhill. KOPA will also be subsidising the air tickets for this trip. KOPA has worked with Cyprus Airways to ensure the group booking and arrangements for a reasonable cost.
KOPA and KOA are looking for sponsors for this trip. We expect to have extensive media coverage in the Cypriot press here in theUKand inCyprus. Games will also be shown on National TV by RIK TV.
As part of the fundraising programme KOPA with KOA’s assistance has organised a KOPA veterans’ tournament on Sunday 7th October 2012 at Haringey Borough Stadium in White Hart Lane, Wood Green. Haringey Borough FC has kindly donated the Stadium for the whole day.
It is essential that this trip is as successful as possible to ensure the good relations already established between the Cypriot community in theUKand important national organisations inCyprus, can continue and prosper. This will hopefully lay the foundations for further joint working, not just in sport, but in every aspect of our community.
For more details of this trip, sponsorship or taking part in the KOPA veterans tournament please contact KOPA General Secretary Michael Yiakoumi on 020 8341 5843 (W) 07958 207412(M) or email [email protected]
