The Continental Youth Championship (CYC) Tournament which was a huge success when staged in Chicago Gaelic Park last year will be held in Philadelphia this year. The big event will be hosted by the Philadelphia Youth Board this weekend, July 25, 26 & 27, at the Greater Chester Valley Soccer Association Fields in Chester County, PA. The CYC which made it's debut in New York in 2004 has evolved into the biggest Irish sports youth program in the world. Launched during the presidency of  Sean Kelly, the CYC was the beginning of a major new initiative towards the development of Gaelic games overseas. With the financial backing from Croke Park through the International committee now under the chairmanship of Sheamus Howlin, coupled with corporate sponsorship from O'Neill's, Ireland's premier Sports Company, the tournament has grown in popularity and size.       A total of 205 games were played at last year's tournament and it is anticipated that that number will be exceeded at this years event. Over 100 teams from cities across the US and Canada and London, England will be competing in the tournament. Various hurling and Gaelic football championships at under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 17 age groups will be staged. A special attraction this year will the participation of a U16  hurling team from Belfast, comprising of players from both catholic and protestant neighborhoods.  The tournament will get underway with the staging of a gala welcoming parade by the host city on the Thursday night. Several GAA officials from Ireland have committed to attending the tournament including President Nickey Brennan as well as Sheamus Howlin and officials from O'Neill's.   Eamonn Kelly PRO - NACB Tweet

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