We lost it in 2006 when we lost some funding which made it impossible to run but I wouldn’t be putting so much time and energy into it if I didn’t think it would happen again,’ Mackenzie said.
‘Losing it for two seasons makes its return complicated while if we lost it for three it would put Jersey completely off the map.
‘It was no coincidence that as soon as we lost it the same teams turned up for a similar competition in Hong Kong – not only does the tournament provide a niche market but, in the Far East football is big business and big money and they can attract large amounts of sponsorship from the television channels out there.
Nearer
‘The same isn’t true of Jersey but teams like to play here; it’s usually nearer to travel, the facilities are excellent and – how shall I put it – there is less of a chance of players picking up any kind of illness.
I can’t reveal which teams I’ve already spoken to but every one who has played here before has indicated that they would like to play in Jersey again.
Japan, in particular, have been sending me e-mails virtually every day.
‘As long as we can cover the costs it will happen again this year, during the first week of August.
‘It really does put Jersey on the map and on the back of previous competitions we’ve been able to attract teams from the likes of Scotland and Ireland to play Island sides at Springfield.’
‘Putting Jersey on the map’ is something that Mackenzie, in his role as JFA vice-president, is very keen to do in 2008, as is president Ricky Weir.
‘Two months ago Ricky spoke to Sepp Blatter (FIFA president) and we will be in touch with him again, hopefully to invite him over to Jersey,’ added Mackenzie.
‘It’s all part of keeping Jersey in profile and showing that, in the larger world, we can host major tournaments because, apart from any else, we have the facilities.’
