A team from the UK will be right at the heart of things, this Thursday, in Maribor, Slovenia,  when 24 teams, representing 22 cities in 16 countries across the continent will be kicking off with dreams of being Champions League winners.

Balkan Stars, from Leisure Leagues Tamworth, will be amongst those trying to wrestle the crown 2018’s victors, Dynamik Torun. They won’t find it easy as they take on some of the finest club sides in Europe.

Jack Keeling, Media Exec for the ISF, will be attending the tournament and said: “The world cup has established itself as the absolute pinnacle for international teams, but the second edition of the Champions League will give the grass roots game a real boost.  There is some wonderful teams, we know that from last year, and this will be a wonderful four days.”

This year, in a major change very team must have the name of the city they represent in their name, with Jack adding: “It was felt that teams could get a real sense of pride from representing their community and we are sure they will.”

The 24 teams are:

1. Athens Magkoufana FC (GRE)
2. Athens Amigos FC (GRE)
3. Thessaloniki Freakicks FC (GRE)
4. Galway Polonia (IRE)
5. Thurles MT Tipp (IRE)
6. AP Zagreb Blažević MNK Sasina (CRO)
7. Vinkovci Auto Servis Crnaic (CRO)
8. AFC Sofia Dianabad (BUL)
9. MFC Sofia Búlgari (BUL)
10. ARKO Ključarovci (SLO)
11. Kapela Ekosen (SLO)
12. Dynamik Toruń (POL)
13. Kluge Team Płock (POL)
14. Maglód Mates Team (HUN)
15. Budapest National Iron Team (HUN)
16. Koblenz Panna SG (GER)
17. Limassol AFI FC (CY)
18. FK Nīca (LAT)
19. Bratislava Papalalulu (SVK)
20. Charleroi Steaua Moustier (BEL)
21. AS Liberto Iasi (ROM)
22. FK Šilalė – Prolain (LIT)
23. Tamworth Balkan’s Stars FC (ENG)
24. _______ – _______ (UKR) (tba after national tournament finalised)