David Moyes surprised Milk Cup organisers in Coleraine, Northern Ireland on Saturday by saying that he was embarrassed to be the focal point of cheering crowds as competing teams paraded through the town to the tournament's opening ceremony ahead of the competition which is in its 30th year.
Moyesy was there to kick off the competition and was accompanied by his Dad. 46 teams are competing this year including representation from Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers, Manchester United and Benfica.
Everton, whose junior teams have won five Milk Cup titles down the years, have many players on their books who competed at the tournament, including Shane Duffy.
Moyesy said: 'I'm not great at walking in front of people and being the centre of attention.'
'This should be all about the players and I'm happy that they were being so well received too. It's like a homecoming for me. My mother was from Portrush and I often come here to visit. I love the place and the people. I think she would be very proud of the fact that I am opening the Milk Cup.'
'My father has been coming here for years. He loves the competition and comes back telling me about players he has seen. This is a fabulous competition with a worldwide reputation and it is important to our club because we are big on youth development.'
'Our Academy is a vital part of our club and competing at events like this is a big part of assisting players to become better. So many of our players have touched the tournament over the years and when you look at the players at other clubs who have made names for themselves at the Milk Cup it is impressive.'
'I think Northern Ireland should be proud of the Milk Cup. It is not only vital for the local economy but it has a great reputation and brings people here from all over the world.'
'I was amazed at the reception the players received from the crowds in the street. All the football people came out and you feel it is so important to them to give a warm welcome to their visitors. This is a fabulous competition with a worldwide reputation. It offers you a chance to shine if you work hard.'
'The fact that teams from all over the world are here is great credit to the organisers who deserve to celebrate their success in sustaining a high calibre of teams over 30 years.'
Thousands lined the streets of Coleraine to welcome teams from as far away as New Zealand, Japan, South America, Africa and Europe as they paraded past the statue of the competition's founding father Bertie Peacock to the Showgrounds where Moyesy unfurled the Milk Cup flag.
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