Cup, The (BBC-2 2008, Steve Edge, Jennifer Hennessy)

Based on a Canadian original called The Tournament, faux documentary sitcom The Cup, follows Ashburn United as they attempt to win the North and Midlands Under 11’s football cup. Of course it’s the parents who are the ones most obsessed about winning the cup. Central to the series is Terry McConnell (a one time pro hopeful himself who had his career cut short at 19) who is convinced his son Malky can make the grade as a professional and will stop at nothing to make sure he does.

The Tournament took junior ice hockey as its theme, a natural really given that the Canadians are as much pro hockey as the UK is football.

production details
UK | BBC Two – Hartswood Films | 6×30 minute episodes | 2008

Writers: Moray Hunter and Jack Docherty
Creators: Howard Busgang, Wendy Hopkins and Marty Putz
Producer: Sue Vertue
Executive Producer: Beryl Vertue
Director: Matt Lipsey

cast
STEVE EDGE as Terry McConnell
JENNIFER HENNESSY as Janice McConnell
TANYA FRANKS as Sandra Farrell
DOMINIC COLEMAN as Vincent Farrell
PAL ARON as Dr Kaskar
BILLY GERAGHTY as Steve Robson
SAMANTHA POWER as Debbie Rossi
EMMANUEL LECONTE as Mercier
CRAIG CUNNINGHAM as Fourbellies
CEALLACH SPELLMAN as Malky McConnell
GEORGE WEAVER as Jack Rossi
NAZIM KHAN as Ranjit Kaskar
HAYLIE JONES as Ali Farrell
GORDON KANE as Tom Blackley
HENRY SMITH as Gordy
MARTIN OLDFIELD as Hinchcliffe