Gareth McAuley MBE, had an incredible playing career rising from the Irish League to becoming a top defender in the Premier League and scoring for Northern Ireland at the European Championships.
But one experience from his formative teenage years still lives strong in McAuley's memory. Back in 1994 the big defender played for Dundonald Junior League in the Boys’ Junior Section of the Milk Cup, now the SuperCupNI.
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That experience had a big impact on McAuley and during his playing days in England he was surprised it has such a similar impact on many of his teammates.
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"I have so many fond memories of playing in the tournament as a teenager and it was a massive part of my own football journey," said McAuley, who will officially open this summer’s Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
“I made lifelong friends and memories playing at the tournament and what always stood out to me was how many of my teammates throughout my professional career talked about playing in it with the fondest of memories. It’s a real honour to be invited to open this year’s Budget Energy SuperCupNI."
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The former West Bromwich Albion defender, who earned 80 caps for his country and played a key role at UEFA Euro 2016, will lead 62 elite boys’ and girls’ teams through the streets of Coleraine on Sunday 27th July, before officially declaring the 2025 tournament open at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
Since retiring in 2019 at the age of 39, following a 23-year playing career, McAuley has remained a key figure in the international setup, working as a coach with Northern Ireland’s Under-17 and Under-19 squads before being appointed manager of the Under-19 men’s team in 2023, and he hailed the impact the tournament has on the game's rising stars.
“The crowds, the energy, and the sense of occasion right across the week, not to mention the top-class football, make this tournament really special," said McAuley.
"It’s also a vital platform for young local talent to showcase their ability against top international opposition and to experience the standards needed to progress in the game.
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“Everyone looks forward to the welcome parade and opening ceremony. It’s such a brilliant occasion, with the streets packed full of people cheering the players on and giving the visiting teams a warm Northern Ireland welcome. It’ll be fantastic to be part of that atmosphere once again.”
The 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI will take place from Sunday 27th July to Friday 1st August, bringing together 62 elite boys’ and girls’ teams from across the globe for one of the world’s premier youth football tournaments, with over 55,000 spectators expected to enjoy an unforgettable week of top-class football.
Victor Leonard, Chairperson of Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said: “Gareth’s journey from competing in the tournament to becoming a mainstay on the international stage is exactly the kind of story that continues to inspire the next generation.
“His presence will bring real excitement to what is already shaping up to be a fantastic week of football, with so many top-class teams showcasing the very best of local and international talent across our boys’ and girls’ sections."