The deputy First Minister teamed-up with Northern Ireland and Leeds United legend Stuart Dallas to kick-off an action-packed week of youth football with the official launch of the 2024 SuperCupNI.
Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Coleraine and packed the stands and terraces of the Coleraine Showgrounds to give a rousing welcome to over 1,200 elite young footballers from around the world at the tournament’s annual welcome parade and opening ceremony.
The 2024 SuperCupNI, celebrating its 41st year, will see 64 girls’ and boys’ teams across five age groups participating in over 150 competitive matches in what’s set to be an exciting week of international youth football.
Over 70,000 spectators from around the world are expected to attend the tournament with the thrilling action getting underway today, Monday 21st July. The world-renowned event will conclude with the brilliance, triumph, agony and heartbreak of Finals Day on Friday 26th July.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “SuperCup NI is a prestigious competition renowned across the globe for attracting top teams and providing a fantastic platform for young footballers to excel.
“The tournament is a significant event in our sporting calendar but it delivers so much to the local community and wider economy too. It showcases Northern Ireland to a global audience and represents a significant boost to our tourism and hospitality industry.
“I wish all the players, coaches, volunteers and organisers the best of luck. I have no doubt the week ahead will deliver some incredible goals and memorable moments. It will also create lifelong bonds, bringing people from different backgrounds and walks of life together.”
Cookstown native Stuart Dallas shone at the SuperCupNI when he represented County Tyrone between 2005 and 2008, before embarking on a hugely successful career that saw him star for Leeds United in the English Premiership. He also won 62 caps for Northern Ireland and played at Euro 2016.
Stuart Dallas, former Leeds United and Northern Ireland international, said: “It’s an incredible honour to be here tonight to officially launch this year’s SuperCupNI. Playing in this tournament was crucial in my football development. It helped shape me as both a player and a person, providing unforgettable memories and invaluable experiences that have stayed with me throughout my career.
“To all the young footballers participating this year, I encourage you to enjoy the competition and have fun with the friendships you make along the way. This tournament is not just about winning, but about enjoying the journey, learning as much as possible, and growing as players and individuals. I wish all the players and teams the best of luck and hope they have an amazing week of football.”
The 2024 SuperCupNI Boys’ tournament showcases some of the world’s top clubs, including English Premier League representatives Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and West Ham United, along with Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers from the Scottish Premiership.
They will be joined by a host of international teams that have made the trip to Northern Ireland, such as Club Deportivo Toluca from Mexico, Inter CT from Connecticut, USA, and the UAE-based Barca Academy Dubai, a satellite academy of FC Barcelona.
The Girls’ tournament features an equally impressive lineup, with Manchester United joined by fellow Premier League teams Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as USSSA and Surf Select from the USA and the Northern Ireland national team.
Victor Leonard, Chairperson for SuperCupNI, said: “We are thrilled to welcome such a diverse and talented group of young footballers to Northern Ireland for the 2024 SuperCupNI. This tournament has a rich history of showcasing the best in international youth football, and this year promises to be no different.
“The SuperCupNI is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of football, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange. It highlights everything that is good about Northern Ireland – from our passion for football and stunning landscapes to the warmth and hospitality of our people.
“The support from the deputy First Minister and Stuart Dallas highlights the significance of this event, not just for the participants, but for the entire region, and we’re incredibly grateful to all our partners and sponsors whose generosity and support make this tournament possible.
“We are excited for an action-packed week filled with competitive matches, and we look forward to seeing these young footballers display their skills and talent on an international stage. We wish all the teams the best of luck and hope everyone enjoys the experience.”
The group stages and knockout rounds will be held at venues across Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
The 2024 SuperCupNI Cup Finals for the Boys’ Premier, Junior, and Minor sections will take place at the Coleraine Showgrounds, with the Cup Finals for the Girls’ Premier and Junior sections taking place at Dixon Park in Ballyclare.
For more information on the SuperCupNI visit www.supercupni.com and to secure tickets www.buyticketapp.co.uk/app
