British Airways Football Legends Invitational Tournament 2011 launched

CRAWLEY, England, Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The British Airways Football Legends Invitational Tournament 2011 has been officially launched by the Barbados Tourism Authority.

This will excite Brits and Bajans in the run up to a spectacular clash of the Titans. The six-a-side tournament will be held at the Kensington Oval, Barbados, on 10-11 June 2011. Teams representing England's top clubs will battle for top honours in the inaugural British Airways Football Legends Invitational Tournament, raising money for local charities involved in the development of football in the Caribbean.

Chelsea legends such as Roberto Di Matteo, Gianfranco Zola and Gus Poyet will once more take to the field alongside the likes of Manchester United's Andrew Cole, Steve McManaman and Jason McAteer of Liverpool, Ray Parlour and Paul Merson of Arsenal and Newcastle and England hero Rob Lee.

Former Chelsea favourite and current West Brom boss Di Matteo is looking forward to recommencing battle against some of his old adversaries:

"The opportunity to renew some old rivalries and to play in such a high profile and prestigious competition was simply too good to refuse. It's absolutely fantastic to think that we will be lining up with and against some of the great players from our own era and in such a wonderful location as well."

Ex-Newcastle and England captain Alan Shearer also anticipates an entertaining few days in the West Indies:

"The emphasis on this event will be on exhibition as well as competition and whilst you can never take that competitive edge away from a footballer, the respect and friendship amongst all the lads will no doubt produce some great entertainment for the crowd too."

Christian Smith, commercial director of the Professional Football Association explained:

"Our aim is to establish an annual series of events featuring some of the great players of the last decade but this is only possible with the help and support of our members and the invaluable contribution of partners like the Barbados Tourism Authority and British Airways."

Almond Resorts is the official hotel partner for the football legends tournament. Package holidays in Barbados and tickets will be available with sponsors Almond Resorts and British Airways.

Notes to editors:

About the Football Legends Tournament:

Barbados Tourism Authority has developed the Barbados Football Legends Tournament in conjunction with the Professional Football Association.  The tournament is sponsored by British Airways and co-sponsored by Almond Beach Resorts and Kensington Oval.

About British Airways:

British Airways plc offers a wide range of worldwide destinations - with city breaks, holidays, hotels, golfing holidays including golfing holidays in Barbados, flights, car rental and experiences. Customers can save time and money with ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages, ATOL number is 5985. Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

SOURCE British Airways