Sporting exchanges 'about much more than football'

 The Minister for Relations with Morocco says “sporting exchanges are about much more than football” – congratulating the Gibraltar Magpies Under-16 team on its second-place finish in the Friendship Cup in Tangier.

The competition brought together young footballers from Gibraltar and Morocco, and saw Liam Burne awarded trophies for Top Scorer and Best Player of the tournament.

John Cortes said, “Coming runners-up in an international competition is a tremendous achievement, and Liam Byrne deserves particular congratulations for being recognised as both the tournament’s top scorer and best player.”

On sporting exchanges, Dr Cortes said, “They provide our young people with opportunities to meet, compete and build friendships with their Moroccan counterparts, while strengthening the already close connections between Gibraltar and Morocco.”

This year also saw the continuation of an initiative to provide local clubs in Tangier with additional football equipment, presented by Coach, Philip Ghio.

Project Coordinator Mark Montovio said, “The young players are building friendships, the coaches are developing relationships and there is a genuine willingness on both sides to support one another.”

He added, “We hope that the links between the clubs in Gibraltar and Tangier will continue to grow and create further opportunities for young people on both sides of the Strait.”