Barbados British Airways Football Legends Invitational Tournament returns, 7 - 8 June 2013

An acclaimed selection of football's greatest champions will prove that they're yet to hang up their boots as they make for Barbados' sunny climes and the Kensington Oval's grassy pitch for the third annual British Airways Football Legends Invitational Tournament this June, 7-8.

With old team rivalries being reignited, the British Airways Football Legends Invitational is now known for its legendary players, high quality games and lush Caribbean backdrop.

Back once again, the tournament will feature eight, six-a-side teams representing Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur from the English Premiership, plus a PFA all-star team and an all-star team representing the Caribbean.

The fierce competition and fantastic weather have drawn Chelsea hero Roberto Di Matteo back to Barbados for a third year, and his team will attempt to knock reigning heroes Manchester United from the top spot. Di Matteo will be joined by some of the greatest names in Chelsea's history, including Dennis Wise, Gus Poyet and Gianfranco Zola. Other stars include Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole for Manchester United, Stephane Henchoz for Liverpool, Kevin Kilbane for Everton and Gaizka Mendieta for the PFA all-star team.

Barbados Tourism Authority's Vice President UK, Petra Roach, commented: "We are incredibly excited to see the British Airways Football Legends Invitational return to Barbados for a third year. It's now an event that has become a successful, annual occurrence and of great important to our sporting calendar. Barbados continues to hold its reputation as a nation of sporting heroes and it's great to see local Bajans, British fans and holidaymakers gather to see the beautiful game played out on our stunning island, at the Kensington Oval. Many of the players and fans will be returning for their second or third tournament, showing what a fantastic time everyone has at the event. It's a unique opportunity to witness talented footballers play exciting and intense matches, being topped off by a swim in the Atlantic Ocean and a delicious rum punch. BA Football Legends 2013 is not to be missed."

Colm Lacy, Head of Commercial at Gatwick for British Airways added: "I am thrilled to be able to say that we are once again sponsoring the Barbados British Airways Football Invitational in 2013. From its inception in 2011, the event has grown considerably, attracting more and more visitors to the beautiful island of Barbados, and delighting fans with the quality of football on show. I am convinced that 2013 is set to be the best tournament yet, with new teams and some exciting new players joining an already stellar lineup. British Airways has been flying to Barbados for over 65 years and we operate more flights to the region than any other European carrier."

Christian Smith, Commercial Director of the Professional Footballers' Association said: "It goes without saying that we're delighted the event is now in its third year. We've worked hard to make the British Airways Football Legends Invitational as successful as it is, and my thanks go to the Barbados Tourism Authority, British Airways, and of course our members for their support. Competition for places in this year's event is fierce, testament to the growing reputation of the tournament as the leading legends competition across the world.  As such, expect to see some new faces for 2013 in what we think will be the best event yet!"

Ex-Chelsea and former England international player Dennis Wise is looking forward to returning to Barbados for a second year: "We had a lot of fun at last year's tournament - I loved the golf, the beaches and the restaurants on the island. We were of course disappointed to lose 4 - 3 in the final to Manchester United, so we've really got our eyes on the trophy this year! When you sign up to things like this, obviously you want to enjoy yourself, but when you get on the pitch you want to win, so we're looking forward to giving visitors and locals a great tournament."

Partners and sponsors for the event include British Airways, the Barbados Tourism Authority, the Professional Footballers' Association, Casuarina Beach Resort, Kensington Oval, Mount Gay Rum, Raging Bull Sportswear, Apes Hill Club and Banks beer.

 For more information about Barbados visit www.visitbarbados.org

For more information about the tournament visit www.barbadosfootball-legends.com

For news and updates, follow @BarbadosLegends

- ENDS -

For media information:  Sam Hooper: Samantha.Hooper@fourbgb.com / Emma Liasides: Emma.Liasides@fourbgb.com / Lalla Dutt: Lalla.Dutt@fourbgb.com  0870 626 9000

Images and footage available on request

Notes to Editors:

The country has also hosted numerous athletic championships, including the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010. Accommodation options range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts.  Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor's '2008 Travellers Choice Destination Awards' in its Top 100 Destinations category.