Republic of Ireland 26 JUNE � � JU�Y 2015 OFFICIAL PROGRAMME 191_EA1_IACmie_aeOi_4x1.nd1 +139811_UEFA_19_FIFA_Combined_Bale_Ozil_148x210.indd

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WINNING FEELING Veneto trio (from left to right) Silva Michel Pedrozo, Hakim Calgaro and Prince Yarboye celebrate their victory in the 2013 UEFA Regions’ Cup final. The Italian hosts defeated Selección Catalana 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw in the northeastern town of Abano Terme to become the first team to win the UEFA Regions’ Cup twice. Veneto also won the inaugural competition in 1999 on the same ground.

4 Official programme 5 UEFA President’s message

Welcome to the ninth final tournament of the UEFA Regions’ Cup, which will be played at six venues in and around Dublin. The becomes the seventh association to host the final round of a competition of which six of the eight editions have been won by teams from either , Portugal or . This tournament represents the pinnacle of European amateur football and offers the participants a unique opportunity to enjoy the experience of taking part in an event of international dimensions. I am sure the spectators will be able to savour some thrilling football played in a competitive atmosphere but always upholding the principles of fair play. I would like to thank the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), and in particular its president, Tony Fitzgerald, for putting so much hard and enthusiastic work into the organisation of NO TO RACISM a tournament that epitomises the spirit of the game of football. Michel Platini UEFA President

Teachtaireacht ó Uachtarán UEFA

Fáilte romhaibh chuig an naoú comórtas ceannais de Chorn Réigiún UEFA, a imreofar i sé ionad mórthimpeall Bhaile Átha Cliath. Is í Cumann Peile na hÉireann an seachtú cumann chun babhta ceannais an chomórtais a reachtáil. Go dtí seo, tá sé shraith as ocht buaite ag foirne ón Iodáil, ón Phortaingéil nó ón Spáinn. Buaicphointe pheil amaitéarach na hEorpa is ea an comórtas seo agus tugtar deis ar leith do na rannpháirtithe taitneamh a bhaint as a bheith i gcomórtas idirnáisiúnta. Táim cinnte go mbainfidh an lucht féachana taitneamh as peil iontach in atmaisféar iomaíoch agus cothrom na Féinne á chleachtadh i gcónaí. Ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghabháil le Cumann Peile na hÉireann agus, go háirithe, le hUachtarán an Chumainn, Tony Fitzgerald, a d’oibrigh go crua agus go díograiseach chun an comórtas a eagrú, comórtas a achoimríonn spiorad na peile. Michel Platini Uachtarán UEFA

7 Welcome to the Republic of Ireland ‘An amazing experience’

I would like to offer the warmest of welcomes to our visitors from It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the ninth UEFA Regions’ Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, , Cup final tournament. It is a huge honour for the Football Association Poland, Turkey and our neighbours from , who are of Ireland (FAI) to host this prestigious event. This is the fifth time all competing for the title of 2015 UEFA Regions’ Cup winners. It is a side representing the Republic of Ireland has reached the final a pleasure to host the final tournament and I am sure that Eastern tournament, and each time UEFA has raised the bar. The UEFA Region, the representatives from our own national association, will Regions’ Cup truly is an amazing experience for amateur players and give their sporting best. Our hopes are fuelled by memories of how I am sure we will see a high standard of football from all eight teams. the Leinster & Munster team reached the 2011 final, only to be I wish to show our appreciation to UEFA and the FAI for their hard narrowly beaten by Braga, a Portuguese team playing on home soil. work in arranging the final tournament and to UEFA for affording us Apart from enjoying the emotions of the 13 matches at six grounds the opportunity to showcase our facilities. My thanks also to all the in and around Dublin, I hope that our visitors will also take the clubs for the use of their fine venues for training and matches, and to opportunity to sample some of the delights of our country. I am sure Citywest Hotel for their excellent facilities that will cater for all eight that this event at the peak of ’s amateur football will be a teams and UEFA staff during the competition. I hope you will all enjoy thrilling and entertaining tournament. your experience in Dublin, both on and off the pitch. Tony Fitzgerald Noel Fitzroy FAI President FAI Junior Council Chairman

Fáilte chuig Poblacht na hÉireann ‘Eispéireas iontach’

Ba mhaith liom fíorchaoin fáilte a chur romhaibh ár gcuairteoirí Is aoibhinn ar fad liom fáilte a chur romhaibh chuig an naoú sraith de uilig, ón Bhoisnia agus an Heirseagaivéin, ón Chróit, ó Phoblacht na chomórtas Coirn na Réigiún UEFA. Is mór an onóir do Chumann Peile Seice, ón Ghearmáin, ón Pholainn agus ón Tuirc. Beidh sibhse, agus na hÉireann (FAI) an comórtas mór le rá seo a reachtáil. Seo an cúigiú ár gcomharsana ó Thuaisceart Éireann, ag dul san iomaíocht don huair gur shroich foireann ag ionadaíocht do Phoblacht na hÉireann an teideal ‘Buaiteoirí Chorn Réigiún UEFA 2015’. Is cúis mór áthais babhta ceannais amach, agus gach uair d’árdaigh UEFA an caighdeán. dúinn an comórtas seo a reachtáil agus táim cinnte go ndéanfaidh Is eispéireas iontach é, gan dabht, Corn na Réigiún UEFA do imreoirí ionadaithe ár gcumann náisiúnta féin, Réigiún an Oirthir, a sheacht amaitéaracha agus táim cinnte go bhfeicfimid peil den scoth ó na hocht ndícheall spóirtiúl. Tá muid thar a bheith dóchasach an babhta seo bhfoireann go léir. Is mian liom fíorbhuíochas a chur in iúl do UEFA agus toisc gur cuimhin linn conas mar a d’eirigh le foireann Laighean & don FAI as ucht a gcuid dian oibre maidir leis an gcomórtas a eagrú, agus Mumhan sa Phoirtingéil i 2011: is ar éigin is a bhfuair Braga an bua buíochas fresin le UEFA don deis a thug siad dúinn na háiseanna atá orthu sa chluiche ceannais agus iad ag imirt ar a bpáirc bhaile féin! againn a thaispeáint do chách. Buíochas freisin leis na clubanna go léir Comh maith le taitneamh a bhaint as an paisean a bhainfidh leis na a thug cead dúinn traenáil a dhéanamh agus cluichí a eagrú sna hionaid trí chluiche déag a imreofar sna sé ionad mórthimpeall Bhaile Átha bhreátha atá acu, agus tá buíochas ag gabháil le hÓstán Citywest do na Cliath, tá súil agam go dtógfaidh ár gcuairteoirí an deis chun cuid háiseanna sármhaith a dhéanfaidh freastal ar an ocht bhfoireann agus ar d’áilleacht na tíre seo againne a fheiceáil. Táim cinnte go mbeidh an bhaill foirne UEFA le linn an chomórtais. Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh comórtas seo, buaicphointe pheil amaitéarach na hEorpa, bríomhar go léir taitneamh as an eispéireas a bhéidh agaibh i mBaile Átha Cliath, agus taitneamhach. ar an pháirc pheile agus lasmuigh di. Tony Fitzgerald Noel Fitzroy Uachtarán Chumainn Peile na hÉireann Cathaoirleach Comhairle Sóisearaí FAI

8 Official programme 9 Interview

Irish

“I will keep coming back for more,” insists PREastern Region IRL midfielderIDRay Whelehan,E who holds the record for most games played in the UEFA Regions’ Cup

o player knows the What past tournament UEFA Regions’ Cup stands out for you? like Eastern Region The finals in Portugal in 2011 IRL midfielder Ray was the big one. It was an NWhelehan. With 27 appearances incredible ten days. We got in the competition stretching our rewards by getting to the back six campaigns, the Tolka final where we lost narrowly Rovers FC man has played to the hosts. I first played in more games in the world’s qualifying in Bosnia top amateur competition in 2004; I had than anyone else. Having just turned 21 helped steer his side through and managed qualifying, the 31-year-old to make the electrician has been robbed squad. I’m 31 of the chance to play at this now but I still summer’s finals by a cruciate run around as injury, but he knows it will if I was 21. be a special occasion for his team-mates and all the other How important teams involved. is it for the Irish players to be competing What does the UEFA on home soil? Regions’ Cup mean to you? It will be good for our families It means everything to play that they can watch us play in it. You put in a lot of effort without the expense and hassle over the season, all the of travelling. My father comes training and all the travel, to every home game; even Ray Whelehan and getting to play in the though I am older now it’s like celebrates reaching UEFA Regions’ Cup makes it I was 12 years old, the way the 2011 UEFA Regions’ Cup final all worthwhile. At our level, I we speak a�er the match. My don’t think you could play in a mother, my wife and mother- better tournament. in-law came to see me play

10 Official programme 11 international side at junior level; I knew that standard was still very high and I have learned how to compete at that level.

Your team is called Eastern Region IRL but do you feel as if you are representing your country? Absolutely – we are playing for Ireland when we play in those matches. I know it’s called Official amateur level by people outside Whelehan made his UEFA of the game but to me, this is Regions’ Cup debut in the highest level we can play November 2004 at and represent our country. And I could not be happier when Sponsors in Portugal in 2011 and the UEFA Regions’ Cup I pull on that green jersey as tournament was a nice excuse I know I am representing my for them to get away. I don’t Most appearances country – I am very proud to be know what they will do now we Ray Whelehan (IRL) 27 part of that. are playing in Ireland – a week James Walsh (IRL) 25 of in a hotel in Dublin maybe! Timothy Grant (NIR) 20 Is it an honour to hold the Whoever is lucky enough to Kenneth Hoey (IRL) 20 record for appearances in make the squad will have Keith Bruen (IRL) 18 the UEFA Regions’ Cup? great support from their family Barry Flynn (IRL) 18 I don’t keep tabs on all of my and friends. games because I don’t want to the Top scorers be one to gloat about it. When Was professional football Serhiy Chudak (UKR) 9 people ask me how many caps ever an option for you? Javier Moreno (ESP) 9 I have, I say “a few”. But I was At the start of my career, Zoltán Varga (HUN) 9 blown away when I heard that I the option was there to play James Walsh (IRL) 9 had the record. And I will keep in the at a Olexiy Ananichev (UKR) 8 coming back for more. semi-pro level, but a couple of Jonas Missaye (FRA) 8 things stopped me. I am a self- Ray Whelehan (IRL) 8 How do you rate Eastern employed electrician now but at Region IRL’s chances in the the time, when I was 19 or 20, I final tournament? was starting an apprenticeship I know from past experience and the demands of playing in the Regions’ Cup that it will professionally would have been be a very tough tournament; very high on my time. Also, “I could not be the standard is very high. You I had broken into the squad happier when I tend not to get one team that with the junior international dominates the group, but if we team for the UEFA Regions’ pull on that green can get a positive result from Cup and I knew that if I played the first game we have a chance at a professional level for a jersey. I’m very of getting to the final. We are club I would not be able to play proud to represent not in awe of the continental in future Regions’ Cups. So sides as we have been here the next level for me was the my country” before and we have experience. 12 Official programme Group A Eastern Region IRL/Ankara/South Moravia/Tuzla Canton BEST PERFORMANCE Runners-up 2011 QUALIFYING TOP SCORERS Jimmy Carr, David Lacey, James Lee, Greg Moorhouse (2) GROUP A MATCHES Eastern Region IRL 26 June v Ankara, 28 June v South Moravia, 1 July v Tuzla Canton

PLAYER STATISTICS NUMBERS

Date of birth Qualifying All-time Apps./goals Apps./goals

Goalkeepers Brendan O’Connell 17/10/1983 2/0 15/0 Adrian Walsh 09/05/1981 1/0 7/0 David Meehan 10/08/1995 0/0 0/0 Goals Eastern Region IRL Defenders 11 scored in three qualifying Paul Breen 07/06/1983 3/0 14/0 matches, the joint highest Ross Carrig 29/04/1982 2/0 13/1 with Zagreb Region. Kenneth Hoey 03/01/1981 2/0 20/0 Kevin Lynch 21/03/1992 2/0 2/0 Paul Murphy 06/07/1987 2/0 4/0 Noel Murray 15/11/1984 2/0 2/0 Midfielders Jimmy Carr 10/01/1989 3/2 6/2 Darren Dunne 26/06/1987 3/0 3/0 Laurence Dunne 15/10/1984 3/0 14/0 Thomas Dunne 06/11/1981 3/1 3/1 James Lee 20/09/1984 3/2 6/2 Daniel Loughran 31/05/1981 1/1 13/2 Stephen Murphy 25/09/1983 2/0 2/0 The names of their sides have you had said to me last October before COACH Gerry Smith Ray Whelehan 15/10/1983 2/0 27/8 changed from campaign to we went to Hungary for the qualifying Dubliner Smith has Forwards campaign, but the Republic round that we could qualify and also experience and home David Lacey 05/12/1981 3/2 16/4 of Ireland have remained consistent be the hosts, I would have bitten both advantage on his side. Alan McCabe 05/01/1987 0/0 3/0 performers throughout, with the your hands off.” He has coached an Irish Greg Moorhouse 10/07/1994 3/2 3/2 team in all nine seasons likes of Kenneth Hoey, Ray Whelehan With a thriving amateur football Visit UEFA.com for the final tournament squad. and Ross Carrig featuring regularly scene in Ireland, the UEFA Regions’ Cup of the UEFA Regions’ Cup, and took Leinster under coach Gerry Smith since the is a big deal for local players, and Smith The record number of UEFA & Munster to the final 40 start of the 2001 UEFA Regions’ Cup is hoping Eastern Region’s exploits can Regions’ Cup matches Gerry in 2011. Having played campaign. capture the public imagination. “I would Smith has coached. for Saint Patrick’s Losing finalists in 2011 as Leinster love to see the Irish public come out Athletic FC, he coached QUALIFYING RESULTS & Munster, Smith is thrilled his side are and get right behind the players. These Vianney Boys FC and INTERMEDIARY ROUND GROUP 4 hosting this tournament. “If you speak are the players from the grassroots – led the Republic of to any of our international managers, the guys who do it for nothing but the Ireland (featuring Kevin P W D L F A Pts they would give anything to get to a love of the game.” Doyle, Glenn Whelan Eastern Region IRL 3 3 0 0 11 2 9 final tournament, so we are delighted Smith, however, is keen to point and Keith Fahey) at the East Hungary* 3 2 0 1 6 5 6 to be here and be in a position to play out that there is nothing amateurish 2003 FIFA World Youth Karmiel Tzfat 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 in Ireland,” the 59-year-old said. “If about the talents at his command. Championship. FK Nevėžis 3 0 0 3 3 11 0 “We have players who will impress,” he *Hosts “I would love to see said. “Greg Moorhouse is only 20 but he is one who can do well for us. We Nevėžis 1-2 Karmiel Tzfat, Eastern Region IRL 4-1 East the Irish public come have players in the squad who could Hungary, Eastern Region IRL 6-1 Nevėžis, Karmiel Tzfat 0-2 out and get right have played at League of Ireland level; East Hungary, Karmiel Tzfat 0-1 Eastern Region IRL, East Jimmy Carr and Darren Dunne are Hungary 3-1 Nevėžis behind the players” players like that.” 14 Official programme 15 Group A Eastern Region IRL/Ankara/South Moravia/Tuzla Canton BEST PERFORMANCE Group stage 2011 QUALIFYING TOP SCORERS Samet Dağlı, Fatih Ekşioğlu, Muzaffer İlhan, Nuri Kunduz, Volkan Solak (1) GROUP A MATCHES Ankara 26 June v Eastern Region IRL, 28 June v Tuzla Canton, 1 July v South Moravia

PLAYER STATISTICS GO FIGURE

Date of birth Qualifying All-time Apps./goals Apps./goals Goalkeepers Gökhan Köksal 02/02/1993 3/0 3/0 Ali Bilgin 26/11/1989 0/0 0/0 Murat Öztürk 10/08/1994 0/0 0/0 Defenders 12UEFA Regions’ Cup games Fatih Ekşioğlu 08/07/1984 3/1 3/1 Ankara have played, winning Abdullah Koç 22/01/1993 2/0 2/0 nine of them. Ali Öztürk 01/03/1982 2/0 2/0 Ferhat Samancı 12/07/1985 3/0 10/0 Gökhan Uysal 04/10/1985 3/0 3/0 Midfielders Samet Dağlı 19/10/1993 3/1 3/1 Gökhan Demircan 15/01/1994 3/0 3/0 Muzaffer İlhan 15/01/1992 3/1 3/1 Muhammet Kızılkaya 07/11/1994 3/0 3/0 Barış Küçük 14/08/1988 2/0 2/0 Nuri Kunduz 09/05/1990 2/1 2/1 Salim Uzun 01/05/1990 3/0 3/0 Forwards Fatih Akmaz 13/01/1991 2/0 2/0 “I am hung up on this trophy,” and skill, but our team play and the COACH Volkan Solak 22/11/1992 3/1 3/1 admitted Ankara coach Mustafa individual ability of a few of our players Mustafa Özer Özer as he prepared his side for made the difference.” Özer was capped four times Visit UEFA.com for the final tournament squad. the UEFA Regions’ Cup final tournament Deploying a 4-2-3-1 formation, by Turkey after making in the Republic of Ireland. “We need to Özer’s side thrive on pace with his name – alongside bring it home to Turkey.” The 45-year- an emphasis on zonal defending. his brother Hasan – at old former Fenerbahçe SK and Turkey Midfielders Gökhan Demircan and Gaziantepspor as a defender. He subsequently defender led his team to one-goal Muhammet Kızılkaya caught the Score when Ankara met represented Fenerbahçe 0-0 victories against sides from Russia, eye in qualifying – and not only for Ireland’s representatives at the SK and a number of other Malta and Finland to earn a return to their excitable hairstyles. Goalkeeper 2011 final tournament. lower-league clubs, before the amateur final tournament – where Gökhan Köksal and pacy right-winger moving into coaching his assistant, Hameş Öztürk, had led a Samet Dağlı also showed plenty of QUALIFYING RESULTS with his home-town side INTERMEDIARY ROUND GROUP 6 previous Ankara outfit in 2011. ability, while midfield utility man Siirtspor. He is a regional Qualifying as Group 6 winners was Muzaffer İlhan has impressed with his coach for the Turkish PWDLFAPts no easy task. “The teams were all of football and his singing voice, often Football Federation and Ankara 3300529 a similar standard, which is why the entertaining his team-mates with has also helped out with South Region Russia 3201536 winning margins were so narrow,” duets with the Ankara kit man. the national women’s Gozo*3102453 said Özer. “All three of our opponents Özer hopes the whole side will have youth teams. Vaasa3003040 were fantastic, in terms of mentality something to sing about in Ireland. “In *Hosts terms of the standard of organisation and the quality of our opponents, this Ankara 2-1 South Region Russia, Gozo 2-0 Vaasa, Ankara “Flying the flag for is a significant competition,” the coach 2-1 Gozo, Vaasa 0-1 South Region Russia, South Region Turkey will be a great said. “Flying the flag for Turkey and Russia 3-1 Gozo, Vaasa 0-1 Ankara representing our amateur football will experience” be a great experience.” 16 Official programme 17 Group A Eastern Region IRL/Ankara/South Moravia/Tuzla Canton BEST PERFORMANCE First appearance QUALIFYING TOP SCORER Ondřej Ullmann (2) GROUP A MATCHES South Moravia 26 June v Tuzla Canton, 28 June v Eastern Region IRL, 1 July v Ankara

PLAYER STATISTICS GO FIGURE

Date of birth Qualifying All-time Apps./goals Apps./goals Goalkeepers David Juran 22/08/1993 3/0 3/0 Marek Gruber 30/06/1990 0/0 0/0 Martin Petráš 10/05/1992 0/0 0/0 Defenders 14Years since a Czech side, Michael Kršák 06/03/1991 2/0 2/0 Moravia, won the UEFA Tomáš Selinger 26/04/1991 3/0 3/0 Regions’ Cup. Jakub Šplíchal 05/06/1992 1/0 1/0 Roman Švarc 27/08/1987 3/0 3/0 Lukáš Trávník 12/03/1991 2/1 2/1 Jan Vítámvás 16/11/1990 1/0 1/0 Midfielders Radim Fiala 16/01/1987 3/0 3/0 David Lang 12/05/1986 3/0 3/0 Martin Levai 31/08/1994 3/0 3/0 Miroslav Paul 19/04/1988 3/1 3/1 Vlastimil Polák 07/03/1989 3/0 3/0 Tomáš Zůbek 15/06/1993 2/0 2/0 Miloš Žoček 28/02/1986 3/1 3/1 Forwards “We are not a team that has one with the way that his side conducted COACH Ondřej Přichystal 31/01/1993 3/0 3/0 or two stars,” said South Moravia themselves. “We stuck together when Stanislav Schwarz Jan Trtílek 18/08/1993 1/0 1/0 coach Stanislav Schwarz as he it mattered and played with proper Schwarz is a full-time Ondřej Ullmann 20/04/1993 3/2 3/2 explained the spirit that has taken his Czech tactics,” he explained. “I’m not coach with the regional side to the UEFA Regions’ Cup final exaggerating: we had some spectacular association in Moravia. He Visit UEFA.com for the final tournament squad. tournament. “Our opponents cannot attacks that you would expect to see at a previously coached just man mark one or two players to get much higher level.” FC Zbrojovka Brno, the the better of us. Our teamwork is our Some of his players had a glimpse club he represented for 5The number of Czech sides greatest weapon.” of more successful careers as children the bulk of his playing that have reached the final That spirit was very much in evidence – a number were on the books at local career, either side of a spell tournament. as the Czech representatives made it professional clubs, but for one reason in the top division with through intermediary round Group 3, or another never played professionally. RH Cheb. Capped eight QUALIFYING RESULTS crucially beating host side Vojvodina on That means the UEFA Regions’ Cup times at Under-21 level by INTERMEDIARY ROUND GROUP 3 the final day. Goalkeeper David Juran final tournament is likely to be a career Czechoslovakia, Schwarz P W D L F A Pts high. “Representing their country at the played twice for the senior conceded only once in that tournament South Moravia 3 2 1 0 5 1 7 in Serbia, and Ondřej Ullmann was the final tournament may be the highlight B team and finished his Vojvodina* 3 1 1 1 5 5 4 team’s top scorer with two goals. of these players’ footballing careers,” playing career in Vienna SW Bulgaria 3 1 0 2 3 6 3 Schwarz was more than pleased Schwarz noted. “They will not think twice with SV Wienerfeld. Vaud 3 0 2 1 3 4 2 about taking a ten-day holiday from *Hosts “This may be the work to come to the tournament.” Czech sides have been regulars at the Vojvodina 3-0 SW Bulgaria, Vaud 0-0 South Moravia, highlight of these UEFA Regions’ Cup finals; Moravia won Vojvodina 2-2 Vaud, South Moravia 2-1 SW Bulgaria, players’ footballing the 2001 edition on home soil, while the South Moravia 3-0 Vojvodina, SW Bulgaria 2-1 Vaud cities of Prague, Zlin and Brno have also careers” sent teams to past finals. 18 Official programme 19 Group A Eastern Region IRL/Ankara/South Moravia/Tuzla Canton BEST PERFORMANCE Group stage 2007 QUALIFYING TOP SCORERS Nedžad Džanić, Maid Šmigalović (2) GROUP A MATCHES Tuzla Canton 26 June v South Moravia, 28 June v Ankara, 1 July v Eastern Region IRL

PLAYER STATISTICS GO FIGURE

Date of birth Qualifying All-time Apps./goals Apps./goals Goalkeepers Dino Hamidović 11/12/1984 3/0 4/0 Nedim Burgić 06/10/1985 0/0 0/0 Emil Hodžić 10/03/1991 0/0 0/0 Defenders 10Tuzla conceded in the first ten Mirza Bekrić 14/01/1991 3/0 3/0 minutes of all their Group 7 Almir Goletić 19/01/1991 1/0 3/0 games, but still won all three. Hazim Iljazović 17/01/1988 3/0 3/0 Haris Mehanović 19/07/1989 3/0 3/0 Meris Mešanović 10/01/1990 3/1 6/1 Eldin Omerkić 07/02/1985 3/0 6/0 Midfielders Edin Kitić 07/10/1987 3/0 6/0 Muhamed Musić 18/12/1985 2/0 5/1 Maid Šmigalović 29/05/1991 3/2 5/2 Merim Zoletić 13/02/1985 2/0 2/0 Forwards Nedžad Džanić 28/01/1987 3/2 6/4 Sulejman Klokić 15/12/1992 2/0 2/0 Nedžad Majdančić 06/09/1989 2/1 2/1 “Getting to the finals is a great of a footballing hotbed; national COACH Emir Memic 15/07/1981 3/0 3/0 success,” said coach Dževad team players past and present Elvir Dževad Šećerbegović Alen Šako 03/12/1986 3/0 3/0 Šećerbegović as he looked Rahimić, Sejad Salihović, Miralem A member of the forward to leading Tuzla Canton into Pjanić, Ervin Bičakčić, Mirsad Bešlija Yugoslavia squad that Visit UEFA.com for the final tournament squad. a second UEFA Regions’ Cup final and Mirsad Dedić all come from the finished fourth in the tournament. “We will try to do better Tuzla region. Football has been popular 1980 Olympic football than last time, and maybe reach the here for a century or more, with tournament in Moscow, Šećerbegović is well final.” Tuzla came agonizingly close Šećerbegović’s old club – FK Sloboda This is Tuzla’s third campaign known in Tuzla, having 3 to that target on their debut in 2007. Tuzla – founded in 1919. The Crveno- and their second final represented local club Fuad Grbešić’s side went into their crni (Red-and-Blacks) are among tournament appearance. FK Sloboda from 1974 to final game in top spot only to lose 120 clubs in the region, with around 1983. He spent the final to eliminated French side Basse- 6,500 players affiliated to the Tuzla QUALIFYING RESULTS years of his playing career INTERMEDIARY ROUND GROUP 7 Normandie. Bronze medals as the Canton association. Many of Tuzla’s in Turkey with Beşiktaş JK, best group runners-up in Bulgaria players work in the local coal and salt his side finishing second P W D L F A Pts mines, or in related industries, with were some consolation, but they in the league in 1984/85. Tuzla Canton* 3 3 0 0 7 3 9 will hope to do better under local goalkeeper Dino Hamidović, defender Since retirement, he has Lazio 3 2 0 1 4 2 6 footballing legend Šećerbegović, who Haris Mehanović, midfielder Nedžad remained involved with Leiria 3 1 0 2 5 4 3 also led Tuzla into their 2012/13 UEFA Djanić and forward Majid Šmigalović local football in Tuzla. ALF-2007 3 0 0 3 1 8 0 Regions’ Cup tilt. all standing out in qualifying, as Tuzla *Hosts The third-largest city in Bosnia recorded wins against teams from and Herzegovina, Tuzla is something Belarus, Italy and Portugal to reach Lazio 1-0 Leiria, Tuzla 2-1 ALF-2007, ALF-2007 0-4 Leiria, the final tournament. “We have quality Lazio 1-2 Tuzla, ALF-2007 0-2 Lazio, Leiria 1-3 Tuzla “Getting to the finals and with a little luck we will have something to be proud of at the end of is a great success” the tournament,” said Šećerbegović. 20 Official programme 21 Follow the action on UEFA.com and on the @UEFAcom Twitter account.

The tournament’s official website will have all the latest news as well as match reports, reaction and exclusive interviews.

Match schedule GROUP STAGE GROUP A

26 JUNE EASTERN REGION Group A �IRL� 15.00 UCD Bowl South Moravia v Tuzla Canton ANKARA 19.00 Stadium Eastern Region IRL v Ankara �TUR� Group B SOUTH MORAVIA 15.00 Zagreb Region v Dolnośląski Region �CZE� 19.00 Home Farm FC Eastern Region NIR v Württemberg TUZLA CANTON �BIH� 28 JUNE Group B GROUP B 12.00 Home Farm FC Dolnośląski Region v Württemberg DOLNOŚLĄSKI 12.00 Richmond Park Zagreb Region v Eastern Region NIR REGION Group A �POL� 15.00 Eastern Region IRL v South Moravia EASTERN REGION 15.00 UCD Bowl Ankara v Tuzla Canton �NIR�

1 JULY WÜRTTEMBERG Group B �GER� 15.00 Dolnośląski Region v Eastern Region NIR ZAGREB REGION 15.00 Home Farm FC Württemberg v Zagreb Region �CRO� Group A 19.00 Carlisle Grounds Ankara v South Moravia 19.00 Richmond Park/Tallaght Stadium* Tuzla Canton v Eastern Region IRL *Venue to be decided a�er UEFA club competition draws in June

FINAL

4 JULY 16.00 Tallaght Stadium v

23 Venues The tournament will take place in six venues in and around Dublin, with the final played at Tallaght Stadium

TALLAGHT STADIUM TOLKA PARK UCD BOWL DUBLIN DUBLIN DUBLIN CAPACITY 5,901 CAPACITY 4,207 CAPACITY 3,000 HOME CLUB Shamrock Rovers FC HOME CLUB Shelbourne FC HOME CLUB University College Rovers, who have won a record 17 Shelbourne, title winners 13 times, Dublin AFC titles, were the first Irish side to were the first Irish side to reach Both the rugby and football teams compete in the group stage of the the third qualifying round of the of University College Dublin play UEFA Europa League in 2011/12. UEFA Champions League, bowing here. UCD drew their first European Cristiano Ronaldo made his Real out 3-0 on aggregate to RC match 0-0 in the 1984/85 UEFA Madrid CF debut at Tallaght Deportivo La Coruña in 2004/05. Cup Winners’ Cup against eventual Stadium in a 2009 friendly match. winners Everton FC.

RICHMOND PARK HOME FARM FC CARLISLE GROUNDS DUBLIN DUBLIN WICKLOW CAPACITY 5,046 CAPACITY 1,800 CAPACITY 2,934 HOME CLUB Saint Patrick’s HOME CLUB Home Farm FC HOME CLUB Bray Wanderers FC Athletic FC Home Farm’s renowned youth The Carlisle Grounds featured in FIFA World Cup winner Gordon system has produced the likes of the 1996 Hollywood movie Michael Banks played once for St Pat’s, in , and Collins to represent the Gaelic 1977, at this ground. Paul McGrath Ian Harte. Former and Athletic Association stadium Croke and , who both later FC Barcelona star Steve Archibald Park. It has been used as a sports played for the Republic of Ireland, made his one appearance for the venue since 1862, longer than any started their careers with the club. club here aged 42 in 1996. other top flight ground.

25 Travel

Temple Bar in the centre of Dublin

IN A LEAGUE Athletic FC’s home) are also walkable from the city centre. Richmond OF ITS OWN Park, in the southern suburb of The “city of a thousand bands”, Dublin , is where Paul McGrath emerged with the Saints in the is Ireland’s footballing capital as well 1980s, but music also found a home here; Mungo Jerry headlined what is thought to be the city’s first outdoor music festival in 1970. Tallaght Stadium, home of Shamrock Rovers FC, is further DON’T MISS outside the centre but accessible by tram. Visits to Dublin Arena The Book of Kells can be arranged, while displays On display at Trinity College, this in the public bars in Dalymount extraordinary manuscript (above) – Park, home of Bohemian FC, over 1,300 years old – may be the offer an insight into the history ultimate in Celtic art. of the stadium, which has hosted some of the greatest ever players Croke Park including Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Home to the Gaelic Athletic Association, the stunning stadium showcases Ireland’s key indigenous “ sports: gaelic football and .

has hosted some Phoenix Park of the world’s The walled park is home to Dublin Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin Zoo, where unusually you can find greatest players” snakes (St Patrick allegedly drove all the wild ones into the Irish Sea). n the 1980s, when four lads such talents as , tourist board) – the Guinness of Ireland home games since the , Marco van Basten, from the city were about to Damien Duff and , Storehouse, Dublin Zoo, the Book side, then called the Irish Free , Zbigniew Boniek Guinness brewery make U2 the biggest group in is the biggest of its kind in Europe. of Kells and St Patrick’s Cathedral State, first played here in 1927. and Zinédine Zidane. Ireland’s famous stout is now brewed the world, Dublin was dubbed Cork has spawned players such as – are all in, or within walking Both are less than a 3km walk BBC DJ Steve Lamacq, on overseas as well, but locals will Ithe “city of a thousand bands”. City and , distance of, the city centre. So from O’Connell Street, the city’s a recent visit to Dublin, found maintain it never tastes quite the of a thousand footballers would be but Dublin is the pulse of the too are the city’s key football main thoroughfare. himself in Dalymount Park and same outside Dublin. Tour and then more accurate, as football is at the Irish game. venues. Between them, Close to Dalymount Park in was amazed to see a poster from taste while enjoying the best view in heart of the Republic of Ireland’s Dublin is a Dublin Arena (formerly Cabra is the Liam Whelan Bridge, Bob Marley’s concert at the venue the city. capital. As flights descend to land compact city, as ) named to honour Liam ‘Billy’ in July 1980. A keen football at the city’s airport on Saturday visitors here for and Dalymount Park Whelan, a local hero who tragically fan, Marley reportedly got a kick Kilmainham Gaol and Sunday mornings, there’s a the UEFA Regions’ have hosted the vast died aged 22 with his Manchester from knowing he was appearing Many Irish national heroes view on the green fields below Cup will discover, majority of Republic United FC team-mates in the on the same stage as greats of were imprisoned here during the of match a�er match, because and its most 1958 Munich air disaster. Tolka the likes of Pelé and Best, proof struggle for independence, making Dublin Arena staged the Dublin and District Schoolboy popular attractions Park (home to Shelbourne FC) Dublin’s football community the jail an excellent place to learn the 2011 UEFA League, which has helped produce (according to Ireland’s Europa League final and Richmond Park (St Patrick’s welcomed one and all. about Irish history. 26 Official programme 27 Competition history

1999 competitions – with smaller nations fielding national teams – it is a showcase for the wealth of talent that exists under the radar in European football. FOR 2007 The successor to the UEFA Amateur Cup, which ran from 1965 to 1978, the UEFA Regions’ Cup was first contested in 1999, when Italian contenders Veneto won the first THE 2001 of their two titles. The Czech Republic’s Central Moravia won the second edition as hosts in 2001, with Italy’s Piemonte Valle d’Aosta taking the 2003 crown in Germany. LOVE A team representing Spain’s 2009 Basque Country won the 2005 tournament in Poland, while it was the latter nation’s Dolnośląski Region who prevailed in Bulgaria in 2007. OF THE Another Spanish side, Castilla 2003 y León, won in Croatia in 2009, and Portuguese hosts Braga triumphed in 2011. Players who have featured GAThe UEFA Regions’MECup has given amateur players in the UEFA Regions’ Cup a fitting stage to display their talents since 1999 have gone on to greater things – some past alumni have featured in the UEFA t’s incredible, beautiful, amateur players. “It’s their 2011 Champions League proper and marvellous,” beamed UEFA Champions League,” been capped at senior level – “Iforward Francesco explained the UEFA Youth and but playing for love rather than Gasparato after his side’s Amateur Football Committee money is the competition’s shoot-out success in the 2013 chairman, Jim Boyce. “These central principle. We do it final made Veneto the first are the guys who usually turn because we love it. 2005 two-time UEFA Regions’ Cup out to play on a Saturday winners. “This is the best afternoon for fun. They never ROLL OF HONOUR thing going. But tomorrow, we dreamed they would be getting 1999 Veneto return to our normal lives – on aeroplanes and playing in a 2001 Central Moravia The eight champions back to work on Monday, but European competition.” since 1999 enjoy their 2003 Piemonte Valle d’Aosta certainly with a bigger smile.” The UEFA Regions’ Cup is moment of triumph 2005 Basque Country There were 38 entrants for players who have never 2007 Dolnośląski Region for this the ninth edition of featured at any professional 2013 2009 Castilla y León the UEFA Regions’ Cup, which level. Contested by the 2011 Braga makes dreams come true for winners of national amateur 2013 Veneto

28 Official programme 29 Group B Zagreb Region/Dolnośląski Region/Eastern Region NIR/Württemberg BEST PERFORMANCE Group stage 2009 QUALIFYING TOP SCORER Arjan Rexhepi (3) GROUP B MATCHES Zagreb Region 26 June v Dolnośląski Region, 28 June v Eastern Region NIR, 1 July v Württemberg

PLAYER STATISTICS GO FIGURE

Date of birth Qualifying All-time Apps./goals Apps./goals Goalkeepers Elmar Hadžić 02/08/1988 2/0 2/0 Stipe Nevistić 11/06/1993 1/0 1/0 Nikola Durdek 06/12/1983 0/0 2/0 Defenders 11Number of goals scored by Mislav Čunčić 13/05/1987 2/0 5/0 Zagreb in qualifying, the joint Matej Ivkovčić 11/05/1993 3/0 3/0 highest total. Lovre Špadina 04/02/1993 3/0 3/0 Matej Vrbat 14/03/1990 3/0 3/0 Midfielders Antonio Boroša 17/09/1994 2/1 2/1 Josip Juranović 16/08/1995 3/0 3/0 Josip Mohač 08/07/1994 3/0 3/0 Dorian Puretić 04/01/1994 3/0 3/0 Filip Rihtar 13/01/1991 3/0 3/0 Forwards Nikica Brujić 21/09/1986 2/1 8/2 Arjan Rexhepi 14/03/1995 3/3 3/3 Antun Strjački 09/02/1993 2/2 2/2 Željko Štulec 19/06/1983 3/2 4/2 Zagreb Region coach Sreten country and our region can’t compare COACH Sreten Ćuk Ivan Zelenika 26/03/1987 3/2 3/2 Ćuk is confident that the UEFA with some of the others at the final Ćuk notably led NK Regions’ Cup will be some of tournament in terms of population,” Lokomotiva from the Visit UEFA.com for the final tournament squad. his players’ last hurrah as amateurs, he said. “However, for years now we third division to the top with scouts in Croatia eager to sign up have shown we’re doing a great job flight in Croatia, and since some of the team’s top performers. in Croatia. We have a lot of talented coaching Zagreb at the “We’ve had players who ended up players, and a good coaching and 2009 UEFA Regions’ Cup in professional teams, even playing scouting system is crucial here.” final tournament has been in 4Assists supplied by Josip professionally abroad,” the 51-year- Fashioning amateur players charge of HNK Gorica and NK Juranović in qualifying, the old said. “There are more and more into a coherent side for the UEFA Croatia Sesvete. He has also most of any player. scouts coming to our matches and Regions’ Cup is no easy task. “A lot worked as assistant coach at asking about the players, as there is of them have day jobs and university GNK Dinamo Zagreb – briefly QUALIFYING RESULTS plenty of potential in this side.” commitments, so it’s a hard to get taking sole command for a INTERMEDIARY ROUND GROUP 1

Zagreb outstripped sides from them together to play,” Ćuk said. “Our UEFA Champions League P W D L F A Pts captain, 31-year-old Željko Štulec, qualifier. As well as being a Azerbaijan, and Latvia in Zagreb Region* 3 2 1 0 11 1 7 Group 1 to become the last side works at a rolling stock company and regional coach, Ćuk is also in RTU Futbola Centrs 3 2 0 1 3 5 6 to qualify, and Ćuk hopes his team had trouble getting time off work to charge of Dinamo’s B team. Västergötland 3 1 1 1 9 6 4 can now also make an impression help us in qualifying, but he is a really Çağırğan 3 0 0 3 5 16 0 here. “Croatia is a relatively small passionate and hard-working player *Hosts who even put his job at risk to help the team. Nikica Brujić at 28 has a Çağırğan 1-7 Zagreb, Futbola Centrs 2-1 Västergötland, “We have shown catering company and he loses out Çağırğan 0-1 Futbola Centrs, Västergötland 0-0 Zagreb, we’re doing a great financially when he is on duty with Västergötland 8-4 Çağırğan, Zagreb 4-0 Futbola Centrs the team, but he wouldn’t miss these job in Croatia” games for anything.” 30 Official programme 31 Group B Zagreb Region/Dolnośląski Region/Eastern Region NIR/Württemberg BEST PERFORMANCE Winners 2007 QUALIFYING TOP SCORER Adrian Leśniarek (3) GROUP B MATCHES Dolnośląski Region 26 June v Zagreb Region, 28 June v Württemberg, 1 July v Eastern Region NIR

PLAYER STATISTICS GO FIGURE

Date of birth Qualifying All-time Apps./goals Apps./goals Goalkeepers Marcin Gąsiorowski 12/11/1989 2/0 2/0 Jarosław Krawczyk 23/01/1985 1/0 1/0 Marcin Kula 24/09/1986 1/0 1/0 Defenders 11Time of Dolnośląski’4s extra- Jacek Mądrzejewski 10/01/1988 3/0 3/0 time winner in the 2007 final Szymon Przystalski 18/12/1992 2/0 2/0 (below) against Bulgaria’s Kamil Żbik 02/07/1987 3/0 3/0 Yugoiztochen. Midfielders Konrad Babeczko 16/11/1990 3/1 3/1 Paweł Boczarski 09/03/1989 2/0 2/0 Marek Budny 18/06/1987 2/1 2/1 Marek Gacek 09/03/1989 1/2 1/2 Patryk Gołębiewski 03/09/1993 2/1 2/1 Damian Niedojad 07/11/1994 3/2 3/2 Adrian Leśniarek 24/12/1992 3/3 3/3 Mariusz Paszkowski 08/10/1989 3/0 3/0 Forwards Marcin Buryło 06/02/1990 3/0 3/0 Łukasz Deneka 17/06/1985 3/0 3/0 Two-time UEFA Regions’ Cup in charge of Ślęza Wrocław, where he COACH Jakub Jakóbczyk 29/10/1990 2/0 2/0 winners Veneto have set the has recently seen one of his top players Grzegorz Kowalski Łukasz Maciejewski 15/10/1991 3/0 3/0 standard for Dolnośląski Region – Paweł Zieliński, older brother of A defender with Lotnik to follow. The Italian team won the Udinese Calcio’s Piotr Zieliński – picked Wrocław, Śląsk Wrocław and Visit UEFA.com for the final tournament squad. inaugural UEFA Regions’ Cup in 1999 up by a professional side. “He played for Ślęza Wrocław among others, and then triumphed again in 2013, Dolnośląski in the national competition Kowalski also played abroad and the Polish side hope to emulate in Poland and now he is one of the in Germany and Malaysia them by adding to their 2007 triumph best players in the Ekstraklasa at Śląsk before moving into coaching. 55Fouls suffered by Dolnośląski in in Bulgaria. “Veneto are an inspiration Wrocław,” Kowalski said. “Some people Currently coach of his old club, qualifying; more than any other for us,” said coach Grzegorz Kowalski, even think he deserves a senior cap. Ślęza, in the Polish fourth tier, finalist side. whose side got the better of opponents That shows that, even playing amateur the 52-year-old has also led from , FYR Macedonia and football, you can make a leap into the Śląsk, MKS Kluczbork, Lechia QUALIFYING RESULTS Romania in qualifying. “My team has the professional world.” Zielona Góra and GKP Gorzów. INTERMEDIARY ROUND GROUP 8 potential to win it again. We have plenty For now, Kowalski’s players are very “I usually play an attacking P W D L F A Pts game, but sometimes we go of ideas of how to play, depending on much in the amateur world. Of his top Dolnośląski Region* 3 2 1 0 11 4 7 the situation and the opponent.” talents, goalkeeper Jarosław Krawczyk more defensive and mix it up,” Paris Île-de-France 3 2 1 0 6 1 7 The holder of a UEFA Pro licence, works in a bank, defender Jacek he said of his style. News Amateurs Macedonia 3 0 1 2 3 8 1 Kowalski is a coach educator and is also Mądrzejewski is a director at a shopping Braşov 3 0 1 2 4 11 1 centre, and forward Jakub Jakóbczyk is *Hosts “Even playing amateur studying physical education. However, their coach is certain Dolnośląski will Paris Île-de-France 1-0 News Amateurs Macedonia, Braşov football you can show professional commitment in 2-5 Dolnośląski, Braşov 0-4 Paris Île-de-France, News make a leap into the Ireland. “We’re going there to play Amateurs Macedonia 1-5 Dolnośląski, News Amateurs football, not have a nice break. We’ll do Macedonia 2-2 Braşov, Dolnośląski 1-1 Paris Île-de-France professional world” our very best.” 32 Official programme 33 Group B Zagreb Region/Dolnośląski Region/Eastern Region NIR/Württemberg BEST PERFORMANCE Group stage 2007, 2013 QUALIFYING TOP SCORER Stephen Murray and Richard Thompson (4) GROUP B MATCHES Eastern Region NIR 26 June v Württemberg, 28 June v Zagreb Region, 1 July v Dolnośląski Region

PLAYER STATISTICS NUMBERS

Date of birth Qualifying All-time Apps./goals Apps./goals Goalkeepers Patrick Flood 23/03/1990 2/0 3/0 Brian Neeson 28/06/1989 2/0 3/0 Defenders William Armstrong 28/10/1989 3/0 13/0 2Eastern Region NIR have won Jeff Brady 10/04/1989 0/0 0/0 two, lost two and drawn two of Kyle Buckley 23/11/1990 1/0 1/0 their previous UEFA Regions’ Andrew Doyle 28/10/1990 3/0 3/0 Cup final tournament matches. Ultan Lennon 04/08/1989 3/0 5/0 Scott McMillan 07/04/1988 3/0 11/0 Daniel McMurray 12/02/1987 2/0 5/0 Gareth Ringland 11/01/1995 1/0 1/0 Midfielders Daniel Culbert 07/07/1992 1/0 1/0 Colum Curtis 21/10/1989 2/0 8/2 Marcus Dallas 31/12/1989 3/0 11/0 Jordan Gibson 23/06/1995 1/0 1/0 Eamon Kelly 19/08/1983 3/1 3/1 Colm O’Riordan 02/05/1985 3/1 5/1 Barry Walsh 07/01/1987 3/0 3/0 Fair play winners at the be very physical, but McConkey’s COACH Forwards 2007 and 2013 UEFA sides have impressed with their Harry McConkey Paul Maguire 27/11/1983 0/0 0/0 Regions’ Cup finals, Eastern skill and agility. They also caused A schoolteacher by Stephen Murray 29/12/1988 3/4 3/4 Region NIR are hoping they can a substantial upset by winning profession, McConkey Richard Thompson 09/06/1989 3/4 3/4 get their hands on an even more their qualifying group in Moldova, played for Glenavon FC and substantial prize in the Republic seeing off the highly rated Spanish Coleraine FC among others, Visit UEFA.com for the final tournament squad. of Ireland. “It means a lot that we side Selección Catalana in their and has coached a variety of local clubs. The 55-year- have won two fair play awards,” last match. “When the final UEFA Regions’ Cup matches for old has led the national 30 said coach Harry McConkey. “My whistle went, there was just an Harry McConkey as coach. father always said that if you had unbelievable sense of achievement amateur side since 2005 and is taking them to their manners you could go anywhere. and satisfaction,” beamed third final tournament. At the same time it’s hard to McConkey. Richard Thompson QUALIFYING RESULTS “It’s a huge achievement INTERMEDIARY ROUND GROUP 5 forget that we just missed out on and Stephen Murray provide pace for us to feature in three second place in the group in 2007 and a cutting edge in attack, of five tournaments since P W D L F A Pts and 2013. On both occasions we while goalkeeper Brian Neeson, 2007,” he said. “The UEFA Eastern Region NIR 3 3 0 0 10 1 9 were pipped to a bronze medal on captain Scott McMillan, centre- Regions’ Cup is a wonderful Selección Catalana 3 2 0 1 14 1 6 goal difference.” back Andrew Doyle and midfielder tournament.” Piatykhatska 3 1 0 2 5 8 3 Football in Northern Ireland can Marcus Dallas also caught the eye Teleneşti* 3 0 0 3 1 20 0 in qualifying. A short journey to *Hosts “There was just an the final tournament may also play into the team’s hands. “There are Piatykhatska 0-4 Selección Catalana, Eastern Region unbelievable sense a lot of positives to take from the NIR 5-1 Teleneşti, Piatykhatska 0-4 Eastern Region of achievement and location and that’s the way we’ll be NIR, Teleneşti 0-10 Selección Catalana, Teleneşti 0-5 approaching it – in a very positive Piatykhatska, Selección Catalana 0-1 Eastern Region NIR satisfaction” frame of mind,” McConkey said. 34 Official programme 35 Group B Zagreb Region/Dolnośląski Region/Eastern Region NIR/Württemberg BEST PERFORMANCE Group stage 2003, 2011 QUALIFYING TOP SCORERS Mario Marinić, Jonas Wiest (3) GROUP B MATCHES Württemberg 26 June v Eastern Region NIR, 28 June v Dolnośląski Region, 1 July v Zagreb Region

PLAYER STATISTICS GO FIGURE

Date of birth Qualifying All-time Apps./goals Apps./goals Goalkeepers Marcel Susser 17/03/1987 2/0 2/0 Julian Hauser 20/12/1989 1/0 7/0 Luis Loução 03/09/1989 0/0 0/0 Defenders 10Martin Kleinschrodt and Marian Tizian Amon 15/03/1994 2/0 2/0 Asch have each played in ten Valentin Asch 09/08/1991 1/0 1/0 of Württemberg’s 18 UEFA Sven Franzen 21/04/1987 0/0 0/0 Regions’ Cup matches and both Andreas Grimmer 05/08/1988 0/0 0/0 scored six times. Lukas Hartmann 25/07/1992 3/0 3/0 Nico Nierichlo 12/08/1989 2/0 7/0 Manuel Pflumm 18/07/1985 3/0 9/1 Benjamin Sturm 01/06/1988 3/0 3/0 Johannes Volk 15/05/1986 2/0 3/0 Midfielders Mario Di Biccari 07/06/1985 2/0 2/0 Pierre Eiberger 13/07/1991 0/0 0/0 Martin Kleinschrodt 13/08/1985 3/2 10/6 Jonas Wiest 07/01/1992 3/3 3/3 Marc Wissmann 08/08/1990 0/0 0/0 “It is just a great competition,” organised by UEFA, and of course COACH Forwards said Württemberg coach they get to wear a Germany shirt,” Michael Rentschler Marian Asch 15/12/1987 3/2 10/6 Michael Rentschler as he looked Rentschler said. “Wearing the eagle on Rentschler is a coach David Braig 22/07/1991 3/0 3/0 ahead to the UEFA Regions’ Cup final your chest: that matters.” instructor at the local football Marcel Brandstetter 05/03/1988 0/0 0/0 tournament. “The grassroots are an Württemberg got the better of sides association in Württemberg important part of football and this from Slovakia, and Scotland and also oversees local youth Mario Marinić 09/09/1984 3/3 3/3 helps to keep grassroots alive. I really in qualifying, scoring ten times and and women’s teams. Once Daniel Schachtschneider 20/04/1989 3/0 3/0 coach of VfL Kirchheim/ Daniel Seemann 28/12/1991 3/0 3/0 enjoy this competition. It is a highlight conceding just once, against Eastern Württemberg’s record score Teck, the 44-year-old was 14-1 for me as well as the players, and it Slovakia in their opening game. They Visit UEFA.com for the final tournament squad. against Greek side Fthiotida on the staff of Germany’s is always exciting to get to know new were one of five teams to advance with in 2011. Under-21s between 2009 and people and new surroundings.” a perfect three wins from three games 2013. Rentschler coached Rentschler has both coached and and come into the tournament with QUALIFYING RESULTS Württemberg in 2012/13 as INTERMEDIARY ROUND GROUP 2 played in this competition previously confidence high. “We want to attack and they came to within one game with Württemberg, and several dominate all the time,” Rentschler said. of the UEFA Regions’ Cup P W D L F A Pts members of his squad have also “We like quick transitions and getting final tournament, and was a Württemberg 3 3 0 0 10 1 9 played in it before. They too know that shots on goal. Of course, this means defender in the Württemberg Eastern Slovakia* 3 2 0 1 4 2 6 the UEFA Regions’ Cup is something keeping the ball a lot of the time.” side that staged the event in Isle of Man 3 1 0 2 2 8 3 special. “It gets the players out of their To that end, midfielder and business 2003. EWC Scotland 3 0 0 3 0 5 0 everyday lives and is very professionally administrator Martin Kleinschrodt is a *Hosts key player. He is featuring in his third UEFA Regions’ Cup and offers “danger Württemberg 2-1 Eastern Slovakia, Isle of Man 2-0 EWC “Wearing the eagle in front of goal”, according to his coach. Scotland, Württemberg 7-0 Isle of Man, EWC Scotland 0-2 on your chest: that Attacker and university student Marian Eastern Slovakia, EWC Scotland 0-1 Württemberg, Asch also gets a special mention for his Eastern Slovakia 1-0 Isle of Man matters” “pace and versatility”. 36 Official programme 37 Grassroots GETTING

INUEFA is workinVOg with member assocLViations around EuEDrope to increase participation he UEFA Regions’ Cup is the world’s top amateur football tournament and its success and Tpopularity are an example of how the grassroots game across Europe is flourishing. Inspiring people to play, whatever their age, sex or ability, is an essential part of UEFA’s mission, and to do that the right infrastructure needs to be in place. This is one of the principal aims of the UEFA Grassroots Charter, which was set up in 2005 to protect the development and growth of the Children play on the understanding the football European game. maxi-pitch donated to community. One such initiative The charter was Lisbon (above) is the Soccer Sisters scheme, devised to help upgrade which encourages girls to take grassroots programmes as how the game is played up the sport and began when well as to evaluate and reward in their territory – and by the FAI realised it was mainly UEFA member associations whom. “Grassroots is the basic boys who were attending regular for their grassroots work, with foundation of all our activities, football camps. Weekly sessions membership gained by achieving in order to create football for all were started in areas where certain criteria. and at the same time develop football was not widely played This quality mark system skills and talented players,” said by girls despite facilities being operates on three levels – gold, UEFA grassroots ambassador available, and this soon spread silver and bronze – and each Per Ravn Omdal. to clubs so they could engage of UEFA’s 54 associations Like most UEFA members, more with the grassroots. The is classified according to the Football Association of use of ambassadors such as the quality and depth of the Ireland (FAI) – currently a FIFA Puskás Award nominee grassroots football they provide. silver award holder – has its Stephanie Roche afforded star The charter also seeks to help own grassroots projects to endorsement to the project. associations better understand highlight the importance of “The Soccer Sisters camps

38 Official programme 39 Grassroots

Soccer Sisters camps have got more girls playing the game across Ireland

is regularly on the agenda at the UEFA Grassroots Workshop – held every three years – where the associations gather to exchange ideas and share best practice examples of the latest trends. This is one of several ventures that enable European football’s governing body to promote the grassroots game throughout the continent. The next workshop is scheduled for April 2016 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Meanwhile, UEFA Grassroots areagreat way to introduce “The camps gave Week takes place each year and girls to the game. I used to will now be part of the European really look forward to them,” us girls the chance Week of Sport in September, said Irish senior international organised in cooperation with Lauren Dwyer. “Growing up, to develop our the European Commission. boys’ football used to be the skills, make friends This year, national assocations focus of schools and clubs, but will be encouraged to arrange the camps really gave us girls and have fun” grassroots activities at a time the opportunity to develop our when football is in the spotlight skills, make friends and have lots – between important fixtures of fun too.” can be used as a tool to bring in the European Qualifiers and Grassroots initiatives can people together and to improve the launch of the European club boost various sectors of society. relationships and this is exactly competition season. A walking football scheme for what it has succeeded in doing.” What’s more, each year, maxi- players aged about 60 offers Such grassroots efforts have pitches are donated to the host a framework for participation encouraged more people to get cities of the UEFA Champions as well as health benefits. The involved in football and also to League and UEFA Europa Late Night League, inaugurated play the game in a respectful League finals to leave a legacy in 2010, endeavours to keep manner. Ireland’s Don’t X the for the grassroots long a�er youngsters away from alcohol Line campaign has had a positive the showpiece matches have and drugs; in areas where impact on the behaviour of been played. In 2014, Cristiano matches take place, instances spectators, parents and children Ronaldo and Gareth Bale lit up of anti-social behaviour have by teaching tolerance and giving Lisbon in the UEFA Champions decreased. The FAI chief a platform to messages about League final, and the grassroots executive, John Delaney, is full safe participation. game in the city continues of praise. “This has proven to UEFA’s member associations to profit from the maxi-pitch be a great success keeping are also urged to keep players donated by UEFA. From the at-risk teenagers off the streets in football so that they continue grassroots to the stars, we all at night,” he said. “Football enjoying the sport. The subject play the same game. 41 MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREES Vasilis Dimitriou Cyprus Nikolaj Haenni Switzerland Markus Hameter Dzianis Shcharbakou THE NEXT Belarus Sergejus Slyva Lithuania STEP UPUP Mikhail Vilkov The UEFA Regions’ Cup provides match Russia officials with vital experience ASSISTANT REFEREES For most of the players here, 2013 final tournament, referring to Danijel Dević competing in the UEFA Regions’ Cup what UEFA wants to see from the Montenegro is the pinnacle of their footballing up-and-coming referees. “And it’s Alexandros Grevenis careers. For the referee teams at the about getting the big, game-changing Greece final tournament, though, it is only decisions right.” Sanzhar Iskakov the start. The referees involved in the Success at this level leads to Kazakhstan UEFA Regions’ Cup are all regulars in bigger things. Paolo Tagliavento, Nikola Karakolev their domestic top flights and have referee of the 2007 final, is now FYR Macedonia been earmarked by UEFA and their a regular in the UEFA Champions Birkir Sigurdarson national associations for a bright League, while the man who took Iceland future in the game. charge of the 2013 final, Artur Levan Todria At the final tournament, UEFA’s Soares Dias, features regularly in Georgia team of referee observers passes the UEFA Europa League and the Rien Vanyzere on its experience, hosting practical European Qualifiers. “Being here sessions in which the match officials with all the other referees from Martin Venev watch and discuss video footage of different backgrounds gives you Bulgaria thought-provoking match incidents. a different perspective,” said the Referee fitness trainers, meanwhile, Portuguese official (pictured above FOURTH OFFICIALS ensure the officials stay in shape. on a UEFA referee training course). Robert Harvey “Control is important, as are respect The 2015 final tournament will Republic of Ireland and man management,” explained doubtless broaden horizons for a new Graham Kelly Ray Ellingham, an observer at the generation of officials. Republic of Ireland

WIN A MATCH BALL For a chance to win an official 2015 UEFA Regions’ Cup final tournament ball, keep your eyes on the @UEFAcom Twitter account on the day of the final, 4 July. As well as details of how to win the adidas Conext 2015 ball, @UEFAcom has all the latest news throughout the tournament.

42 Official programme