Jersey scores opportunity to host major football event

Tuesday 27 August 2019

Jersey has scored the opportunity to host a major football event that will bring together representatives from nations, minority peoples and sports-isolated territories across the world.

The island has been selected to host the Confederation of Independent Football Association’s (CONIFA) AGM on 25 and 26 January next year.

CONIFA is a global non-profit organisation, which acts as the football federation for all associations outside FIFA, including Parishes of Jersey FC, which has partnered with Events Jersey to organise the event.

50 delegates are set to attend the AGM at the Grand Hotel in which CONIFA will set its priorities for the year. 

Pictured: The AGM will bring together representatives from nations, minority peoples and sports-isolated territories across the world.

“As well as all the hard work, it is also a chance for CONIFA members to meet each other, share ideas and views, and discuss the prior 12 months,” Sascha Düerkop, General Secretary of CONIFA, said.

“With that in mind, it is important we meet in an environment that fosters this spirit, encourages creative thinking and ensures our members from across the globe get the chance to experience a different cultural viewpoint.”

It’s for that reason, he said, that Jersey seemed the right choice to host the annual get together.

“We have no doubt that Jersey, with its rich history, fantastic cultural opportunities, island traditions and footballing heritage is the perfect place for the 2020 CONIFA AGM to take place. It is the home of one of our teams - Parishes of Jersey Football Club - and we are happy to join them for a fruitful weekend.”

Pictured: "It is important we meet in an environment that fosters this spirit."

James Blower, President of Parishes of Jersey FC, said he was “thrilled” about the AGM being held in Jersey.  

"This is a testament to the hard work from the great team we have been involved with in Parishes of Jersey FC and everyone at Events Jersey, who have been enormously supportive and recognised the benefits for Jersey from our CONIFA membership. We look forward to showcasing both the island of Jersey and our potential as hosts of a European Football Cup to their Executive." 

Senator Lyndon Farnham, the Minister with responsibility for Economic Development and Sport, added: “Welcoming events such as this help address the island’s seasonality challenge and align with Jersey’s Destination Plan. By delivering experiences that generate and create lasting memories for the visitors, we can demonstrate the island’s sporting credentials and pitch Jersey as a prospective host location for future sporting events.”