The replica trophy - presented to Liverpool FC after winning the tournament five times - is to be flown into the province as a selection of Liverpool FC coaches travel to both Belfast and Cookstown for a series of coaching sessions with local youngsters.

And that means budding Steven Gerrards can get their hands on the trophy when the soccer school arrives in town from July 24-26.

The soccer coaching sessions, on Thursday and Friday July 25/26, are being run by 'Church Army' and have been based in Belfast for several year - but organiser and former Cookstown woman Valerie Thom is branching out this year with sessions in Cookstown as well - to be based at Cookstown High School.

The sessions are already well subscribed, but the arrival of the European Cup will add a touch of glamour to the occasion.
Coaches making the trip from Liverpool FC are all involved with the Premier League club's community coaching scheme.

Eddie Sullivan, Carl Macauley, Anthony Wright, Dave McParland, Steve Park and Scott Fowler (yes, Robbie Fowler's brother) will be the coaches in town for the two days of sessions.

A dinner has been arranged for the Wednesday evening at the Braeside, where the European Cup will be the centre of attention, and it's also planned to hold a reception at Mid-Ulster Sports Arena with Cookstown Council at noon on the Thursday.

For more information on attending the evening in the Braeside, contact Kyra Kelly on 07877138902.

And while bringing Liverpool's European Cup trophy seems like a nice idea - it's not one that was easy to bring together, as Valerie explained:
"It's been quite a process to put this together," she told the MAIL.

"Originally we thought there would be no problem in getting the trophy over, but Easyjet, who are flying the party from Liverpool FC over here, told us they would not be able to bring the cup as when it was placed in a crate for transportation it was over their weight limit.

"Thankfully John Burrows, who many will know locally for his exploits on the motorcycing circuit, was able to provide us with a lightweight crate and that brought the cargo under the weight limit - so the cup will be here."

Also making the trip will be Liverpool FC Chaplain Rev Bill Bygroves.
There are still a number of places left for kids to attend the coaching sessions. Anyone who is interested in attending should contact Kyra Kelly on 07877138902. Numbers are strictly limited.