Inaugural Four Castles International Invitational Featuring Women’s Football Teams from Northern Ireland and Latvia Announced
Wellington Recreation Football Club Women and FK Cēsis – Jules Vernes Women will Compete in October in Latvia 2026
CĒSIS, LATVIA / LARNE, NORTHERN IRELAND — The Four Castles Sporting Group today announced the launch of the Inaugural Four Castles International Invitational, a new women’s football competition designed to foster international competition, player development, and cultural exchange between clubs in Europe—with plans to expand to the United States.
The first edition of the Invitational will take place in October 2026 in Cēsis, Latvia, where Wellington Recreation Football Club Women (Northern Ireland) will travel to face FK Cēsis – Jules Verne Women. The tournament will then rotate in 2027 to Larne, Northern Ireland, where Wellington Rec will host FK Cēsis as part of a growing international partnership.
The Four Castles International Invitational is backed by Four Castles Sporting Group as the title sponsor, underscoring its commitment to advancing the women’s game and creating meaningful international pathways for clubs and players.
Kevin Doyle, Founder of Four Castles Sporting Group and involved with both clubs including a majority ownership stake in FK Cēsis, stated: “This Invitational represents exactly what we believe the future of women’s football should look like—globally connected, competitive, and full of opportunity. Bringing together clubs from Northern Ireland and Latvia is just the beginning. We’re proud to support these athletes and organizations as they build something lasting, both on and off the pitch. Cēsis is an incredible place to launch this event, and we’re excited to showcase it to an international audience.”
Kenny Thompson, Chairman of Wellington Recreation Football Club, added: “The opportunity to compete internationally, experience a new football culture, and host a return leg in Northern Ireland next year is something our players and supporters are incredibly excited about.”
Abby Taylor, Team Captain for Wellington Recreation Women, said: “For our squad, this is about more than matches—it’s about growth, connection, and representing our club and community on an international stage. Competing in Latvia and then welcoming FK Cēsis to Larne is a unique experience that will stay with our players for years to come.”
Džeina Eglīte, Manager and player for FK Cēsis – Jules Verne Women, noted: “Hosting the inaugural tournament in Cēsis is a proud moment for our club and our city. This is an opportunity to show the strength and spirit of women’s football in Latvia while building lasting relationships with clubs abroad. We are honored to welcome Wellington Rec and to be part of something that is growing the game internationally.”
Karīna Martinova, Player for FK Cēsis – Jules Verne Women and Advisor to Four Castles Sporting Group, added: “This initiative brings together competition and culture in a way that is truly special. Cēsis offers a beautiful and historic setting, and we’re excited to share that with our partners from Northern Ireland. It’s also exciting to see plans developing to include teams from the United States, particularly Florida, which will make this a truly global tournament.”
Joe Clements, based in Florida and Co-Owner of FK Cēsis – Jules Verne Women based added: “This Invitational is an important step in connecting emerging football markets and creating real opportunities for players and clubs to grow. From a Florida perspective, we see tremendous potential to expand this model and build a true international pipeline that includes the United States. We’re proud to be part of something that is not only competitive, but also meaningful from a development and cultural exchange standpoint.”
The Four Castles Sporting Group confirmed that discussions are underway to expand the Invitational to include additional clubs from the United States, including potential participation from Florida-based teams, further strengthening transatlantic ties and opportunities within the women’s game.
Media Contact:
Kevin Doyle (USA/UK) – 1-904-806-1714 – kevin.doyle@fourcastles.net