3 Irish League clubs begin European campaigns
Last updated 8th Jul 2021
Three clubs from the Danske Bank Premiership are taking part in the first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League.
The tournament was created to sit as the continent's third tier competition, and allow for teams from smaller nations to enjoy prolonged campaigns in Europe.
No teams qualify directly for the Group Stage, with most sides earning their spot via a series of play-offs; 10 teams will enter after dropping down from the Europa League.
The three local clubs have all entered the competition in the First Qualifying Round on Thursday the 8th of July.
Coleraine away to Velez Mostar, 19:30
Last season's Premiership runners-up play away to Bosnia-Herzegovina side Velez Mostar in their first leg fixture. The Bannsiders enjoyed a famous Europa League win over Maribor last season, while Velez haven't played in European competition in more than 30 years. As many as 5,000 fans are expected to attend in Sarajevo, with the winners of the tie to face Greek club AEK Athens in the 2nd qualifying round.
Larne, away to Bala Town, 19:00
For the first time in their history, Larne are taking part in a European fixture as they play the first leg away to Bala Town of Wales. It's the next step for the club which has been entirely transformed through the investment of owner Kenny Bruce. Although perhaps not as glamorous as some of Larne's potential opponents, Bala will provide a test that Larne will meet head on, confident of taking the tie back to Northern Ireland with plenty to play for. The winners of this will go on to meet Aarhus of Denmark.
Glentoran vs TNS, 18:45, The Oval
The East Belfast club will welcome fans back to the Oval as they host Welsh side New Saints. Much like the Glens, TNS have a long history in Europe, as they make their 23rd appearance in continental competition. One possible boost for Glentoran is the first leg taking place in Belfast, plus the fact that TNS boss Anthony Limbrick was only hired in April, and has never managed in European football. The winners will face Gibraltar's Europa or Latvia's Kauno Žalgiris.