Leeds and Blackburn join SuperCupNI line-up as Crusaders bid to make history
Players from the two prestigious academy programs will play alongside teams from around the world, including
champions Crusaders, home favourites Linfield, Cliftonville, Ballymena United, Coleraine, Glenavon, Loughgall, and
debutants Shankill Juniors.
Former Premier winners Leeds, who had highly decorated James Milner in the 2002 title-lifting panel, will be
making their Minor Section debut.
Rovers’ youth history includes current Crystal Palace player Adam Wharton and Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman William McCaughey, said: “We are delighted to once again
play host to the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, a tournament that continues to go from strength-to-strength and brings
together some of the finest young footballing talent from across the globe.
academies like Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers, highlights the tournament’s growing international recognition
and significance to our local sporting calendar.
“As a Council, we are honoured to sponsor this esteemed event, which not only provides our Borough with an elite
athletic display but also a substantial economic and social boost.
“We anticipate another amazing week of top-tier youth football, and we look forward to welcoming the teams,
coaches, families, and supporters to Mid & East Antrim.”
After defeating Linfield last year, the Crues will return to defend the boys’ Minor Section title in an attempt to
become the first team to win the title twice in a row.
Alongside Surf Select (USA) and Al Jazira (UAE), Scottish Premiership clubs Kilmarnock and Ross County also join
the Caribbean’s IDA Bermuda.
The Minor Section’s level of competitiveness and the calibre of teams it draws have grown significantly year after
year since its inception in 2018, according to Victor Leonard, chairperson of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
Top academies from England and Scotland, as well as some of the greatest youth teams from the USA, the
Caribbean, and the United Arab Emirates, will be joining us in 2025. They are all excited to compete against the best
in Northern Ireland.
With each year that goes by, the Minor Section attracts more audiences and has swiftly emerged as one of the
tournament’s most thrilling and competitive features.
“Both of our semi-finals sold out last summer, which is a definite indication of the demand for top-tier youth football
at this age range.
“I am aware that representatives from Leeds United attended the tournament last year and were really satisfied with
the general calibre, organisation, and experience we offer young football players.
“It’s evident from our conversations that they intend to return in 2025, and their participation—along with
Blackburn Rovers—is a strong testament to the platform we’ve established.”
From Sunday, July 27 to Friday, August 1, the 42nd SuperCupNI competition will take place, with 62 top boys’ and
girls’ teams and more than 1,200 players competing in 150 matches across five age groups.
The games will be held at locations run by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and
Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. The girls’ Dixon Cup showpiece trophy
matches will take place the night before, while the boys’ section cup finals will take place at Coleraine Showgrounds
on August 1.
“We’re thrilled to play our part in fuelling the future stars of the game, ensuring that every player, official, and
volunteer stays hydrated and healthy throughout what promises to be another unforgettable week of world-class
football.”
Alongside headline partner Budget Energy, other valued partners include Tourism NI, Causeway Coast and Glens
Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Sterling
Insurance, Creagh Concrete, Uhlsport, Clearer Water, Tesco, The Premier League, TrustFord, 247.tv and
BuyTicketApp.
Read more news on https://www.sportupdates.co.uk/
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