This year, as in 2001, the festival involves girls represented at 16’s level and boys aged from 12’s to 18’s.

It is encouraging to see Mintlaw Academy return to defend the 14’s trophy they won in 2001 by beating another returning team, Caithness United.

This year they will have to compete with our other near neighbours Shetland as well as the two Orkney teams,Team Orkney and Pomona.

A big welcome is extended to Mintlaw Academy Girls 16’s who have an impressive record of wins and trophies to date. I’m reliably informed that they are also keen on tripping the light fantastic on the dance floor.Watch this space! Thurso High School are also playing for the first time in Orkney and no doubt will be keen to show their skills against the four competing Orkney Teams, Kirkwall, Stromness A, Stromness B and North Isles as well as Mintlaw Academy.

The Boys 16’s round robin competition will be the first at this age group to be held in Orkney and promises to be very competitive with Caithness United, Shetland and Orkney all vying to come out on top.The Orkney and Caithness United match will be for the OYDG Quaich, currently held by Caithness United

Caithness and Orkney will also compete in two one-off matches at 12’s and 18’s levels for the OYDG Plate and the Corinthian Cup, respectively.

For details on each team, click on the relevant link to the right.