Fielding two county teams in the Northern Ireland Milk Cup every year involves a lot of hard work both on and off the field. If only it was as simple as turning up on the north coast in July! Planning begins every year in January, when sponsorship, trials and pre-tournaments are only some of the important issues to be discussed. Below are a list of people who all contribute something different in making that dream for young footballers in County Armagh become a reality.

Alan Emerson a successful local businessman, Alan has been involved with County Armagh for the past three years. As Chairman of the association, Alan's home in Derryadd Lurgan provides a warm welcome to committee members for meetings. His son, also called Alan was a past player for the county team.

Gerry McKee secretary of the county commitee since its formation in 1991 and manager of the premier section teams since 1992. Gerry had also been manager of the YTP team which participated in the milk cup from 1988 - 1991. He is founding organiser of the Mid-Ulster Youth League. Gerry is currently the official scout in Northern Ireland for Tottenham Hotspur FC.

Niall KellyA native of Armagh, Niall is responsible for looking after the accounts of the Association. Involved since the beginning of the County set up in 1991 Niall was a founding member of Milford Everton FC now known as Armagh City FC. He was also involved in running cross community underage soccer in the Armagh area for over ten years.

Dessie Magennis Like Gerry, Dessie has been involved as coach since 1992. Dessie (Bunker) is one of only two local managers to have won the Milk Cup when he guided Craigavon United to Victory in 1986. Dessie is renowned for watching games and coaching from behind the goal. He spends an extraordinary amount of time in coaching and developing young players in the Lurgan area from age 6 upwards.

Junior Mercer Committe member since 1991 and coach with the premier team since 1992. Junior was a founding member of Lurgan Town FC Junior, his involvement with Glenavon and local youth soccer is a very valuable asset to the team. Known for providing the Craic, Junior is a very popular with past and present players. Also a talented musician.

Brendan Grimes Brendan is the manager of the junior section team and was invited to join the commitee in 1999. A well-known figure in Portadown for youth soccer, Brendan was previously involved in the Milk Cup with the Mid Ulster Youth League Select squad. He currently manages the Glenavon 3rd team in the Irish League Youth Section.

Brian Houston Committee member since 1999. Brian is a fully qualified I.F.A coach who uses his talents to help with the development of the premier section team. He played the game at Intermediate and Irish League level and is now a coach at Lurgan Town FC where he is also club secretary.

Gary Quinn Newry man Gary first involvement with the Milk Cup began as manager of the Mid Ulster Youth League that participated in 1997. After two years in this role, Gary was invited to join the County Armagh management team for the 1999 tournament. A former Newry town FC player, Gary is a vital link for the players from the Newry area.

Geoff Lester is the assistant manager of the Premier squad and this is his second year involved with the County Armagh set-up. Geoff is the Vice-Chairman of Armagh City and has been involved in youth coaching at Holm Park for eight years.

Thomas McLaughlin is a coach with the Junior squad and has been involved with the County Armagh Milk Cup Association for many years. Thomas has been involved in youth football in the Newry area for some time now and has extensive knowledge of players around the border region.

Wes Batty The Armagh-based journalist is the Public Relations Officers for the Assoiation and has been involved with the county set-up for four years.