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Since the launch of the Foundation in March 2006 a total over £30,000 has been raised and this has allowed a further £10,000 to be handed over to the club's youth development department this week.
£5,500 of that money is to provide sponsorship of our youth team in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup later this month, one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in Europe.
The Milk Cup was established in 1983 and has attracted top clubs over the years including such as Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Manchester United and FC Porto will also be competing in this year's Premier Competition, which gets underway on Monday 28th July, alongside our youth team.
A further £3,500 provides full sponsorship for the Under-14 team in the Hibernia Trophy to be held in Dublin, commencing on 28th August. This ever growing competition is now in its fifth year and we will be in competition with teams such as FC Utrecht (Holland) and FC Lyngby (Denmark) as well as English clubs Huddersfield Town and Nottingham Forest.
The remaining £1,000 will fund an Under-11 team in the Umbro Tournament in Manchester and provide new computer equipment for youth coaches Terry Pashley and Andy Farrell.
Tony Yates, on behalf of the Clarets Mad Youth Foundation, said: "I'm delighted we are able to hand over such a substantial amount of money that we've raised for the benefit of youth development at Burnley Football Club. For the club to be associated with such prestigious tournaments as the Milk Cup and Hibernia Trophy has greatly propelled our youth set up and the many Clarets fans who have helped raise the funds for this, and other projects, can be very proud of themselves. It is a fantastic effort from many truly fantastic fans which I'm certain will continue."
Martin Dobson, Head of Youth at Burnley FC, added: "On behalf of everybody on the Youth Department at Burnley Football Club, I would like to thank Clarets Mad Youth Foundation for their latest contribution. It is a magnificent gesture and much appreciated.
"I was invited to their annual dinner at the end of last season, just prior to the final Championship game against Bristol City, and it made me very much aware of how hard the organisation works in order to help the Youth Department.
"Also present on the evening were the five lads - Alex, Wes, Nik and the two Chris's who have signed their first pro contracts for this season. These lads have been connected with the club for several years already and it has always been our intention to give young players every opportunity to develop their skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.
"But to do so is a huge financial commitment. This latest contribution from the Clarets Mad Youth Foundation will mean the next batch of players will gain tremendous experience by competing at these prestigious tournaments - experience which may make all the difference to their individual development. Thanks once again to them."