The inaugural VBET Cup, due to be played at Springfield on 10-11 July, is set to feature semi-professional clubs FC United of Manchester, Essex-based side Hashtag United
and Cray Wanderers, from south-east London.
Ian Horswell believes the tournament will provide a timely boost to tourism and the local economy, with the games also being broadcast live online.
‘The quality of the teams coming to the Island highlights Jersey’s attractiveness as a sporting destination,’ he said.
‘Economically, it is great for Jersey because these clubs have spent over £10,000 each to come here. It’s great for boosting tourism and is exciting for both the fans in the stadium and for supporters that cannot come to Jersey who will be able to watch the games via a live stream.’
Both FC United and Hashtag have vast amounts of followers through their social-media channels and Horswell is excited by the attention the tournament is expected to generate. The Manchester outfit – formed as a breakaway club by disillusioned Manchester Utd fans in 2005 – reached the first round of the FA Cup this season, where they were beaten by League One side Doncaster Rovers.
Full story in Saturday’s JEP.
