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Eddie Ferguson, the Carnegie representative in Northern Ireland, said "Carnegie is proud to partner the Northern Ireland Schools' Football Association in sponsorship of the Schools' Cup Competition.

The Carnegie College of Physical Education was established in 1933 as the first male physical education college in England and is now part of Leeds Metropolitan University as the Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education. Leeds Metropolitan University is one of the largest universities in the UK with more than 41,000 students. It delivers a broad range of courses and is a student - centred university large enough to care about individual students and their progress.

Carnegie has a strong tradition in football and the university is passionate about helping young people to develop as sports men and women. The new partnership between Carnegie and the Schools' FA strengthens the university's commitment to Northern Ireland and we hope it will continue. We wish the best of luck to the remaining teams in the Carnegie Schools' Cup Competition."

Northern Ireland Schools FA Chairman Herbie Barr replied "We are delighted that Carnegie have come on board as the sponsors of the Youth Cup. Their interest and support will undoubtedly enable us to promote the competition as one of the largest sporting events in the schools' calendar".

The competition has reached a critical stage with the first semi final between La Salle and St. Malachy's College scheduled to be played at Solitude on Wednesday 1st March, kick off 2.30 pm.

La Salle had to do it the hard way on their journey to the semis, being drawn away in every round. They opened with a 5-0 win at Edmund Rice College and then overcame St. Louis in Ballymena 4-1. Goals from Aaron Thompson, Stephen Mallon and Padraic Lowe ensured a 3-1 victory away to Portora in the quarter final.

The performances of St. Malachy's have been even more impressive as they have yet to concede a goal. Our Lady and St. Patrick's College were defeated 2-0, then Coleraine Academical were trounced 5-0 and in the quarter final Brendan Connolly 2 and Conor Mulholland were on target to ensure a 3-0 success against East Down Institute.

It should be an enthralling contest. Two years ago St. Malachy's lifted the Under 16 fonaCAB Senior Cup and now the same players believe that they can collect the Under 18 Carnegie title. They should just have the edge on their west Belfast rivals.

Holders Grosvenor are convinced that they can retain the trophy. They have accounted for Ashfield 4-0, Causeway Institute 2-1, Castlereagh College 1-0 and North West Institute 3-2 and now await the winners of next week's quarter final decider between Model and St. Michael's of Enniskillen.

With home advantage Model will fancy their chances of progressing to a semi final showdown with Grosvenor. However, St. Michael's like La Salle have not allowed an unfavourable draw to deter them with victories in Strabane over Holy Cross 3-1 and in Downpatrick against St. Patrick's 1-0. They should push the north Belfast side all the way but Model will start as favourites to face Grosvenor on 8th March.
nder 18 Carnegie Schools Cup Semi Finals


To be played on Wednesday 1st March

La Salle v St. Malachy's College
At Solitude
Kick Off 2.30 pm


To be played on Wednesday 8th March

Grosvenor v Model OR St. Michael's (Enniskillen)