The draw for the new competition was made on the Welsh isle this week as footballers around the world prepare for a year without formal Island Games recognition, and has placed Martin Cassidy’s men alongside a side they faced in Gotland last year.
Jersey beat Orkney 3-0 on their way to fifth at the 2017 Island Games, behind champions Isle of Man and bronze medallists Guernsey, who will both also appear next summer.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, Wales national team assistant manager Osian Roberts and Ian Gwyn Hughes, head of public affairs for the Welsh FA, drew the groups live on Tuesday night – cementing it’s position as a high-profile event for 2019.
Jersey’s women – bronze medallists in Gotland following a string of excellent performances – will compete in a league format with fellow entrants Ynys Mon, Isle of Man, Western Isles and Hitra.
In the men’s tournament, Isle of Man, Alderney and Hitra have been drawn in Group B and Guernsey, Shetland and St Helena in Group C.
The competition came about after Gibraltar revealed they are unable to host a football competition at the 2019 Island Games. Ynys Mon, also known as Anglesey, stepped in to run a separate event from 15-22 June – three weeks before the Island Games opening ceremony.
