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Premier League giants Manchester United are the headliners for this summer’s SuperCupNI while Bournemouth, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton will also feature in what Victor Leonard feels is “one of the most competitive and exciting tournaments in our 42-year history”.
The SuperCupNI, which is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious youth competitions having played a role in developing several world class stars, will be staged between July 27 and August 1.
Seven-time Boys’ Premier Section champions Manchester United will return to Northern Ireland this summer looking to reclaim the title for the first time since 2014 while reigning kings Brighton are set to defend their crown after beating Co Armagh in a dramatic final last summer.
Bournemouth will be making their debut in the competition while Southampton, who have previously produced the likes of Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott, will compete in the competition for the first time since 2018.
Manchester United will return to the SuperCupNI in Northern Ireland this summer. (Photo by Stephen Hamilton/Presseye)Manchester United will return to the SuperCupNI in Northern Ireland this summer. (Photo by Stephen Hamilton/Presseye)
Manchester United will return to the SuperCupNI in Northern Ireland this summer. (Photo by Stephen Hamilton/Presseye)
Beyond the top English Premier League clubs, the 2025 Premier Section will feature an exciting mix of elite international and homegrown talent with Scottish giants Rangers also taking part alongside Northern Ireland’s representative County squads.
Intercontinental FA from the USA, Japanese side Ichifuna and Mexican Ligia outfit Tigres UANL will also take part.
“The 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is set to be one of the most competitive and exciting tournaments in our 42-year history,” said Leonard, Chairperson of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
“The return of Manchester United, the defending champions Brighton & Hove Albion and the tournament debuts of Bournemouth and Southampton in the Boys’ Premier Section are a testament to the tournament’s ever-growing reputation on the global stage.
“Our mission has always been to provide the world’s most talented young footballers with a platform to develop, compete and showcase their abilities against elite opposition.
"The involvement of clubs of this calibre only reinforces the tournament’s status as a world-class platform for the next generation of stars.
“We look forward to welcoming teams, fans and scouts from across the world to Northern Ireland for what promises to be another unforgettable week of youth football.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, added: “The Budget Energy SuperCupNI is a key event in the calendar here in Causeway Coast and Glens, delivering world-class youth football while providing invaluable benefits to the area.
“This year’s announcement of the Premier Section line-up, featuring some of the world’s most prestigious academies, reinforces the tournament’s global standing and the opportunities it creates for young players.
“Beyond the football, the tournament generates a major economic boost for Causeway Coast and Glens, drawing thousands of visitors, supporting local businesses and showcasing our spectacular coastline and hospitality to a worldwide audience.
“We are proud to once again support this prestigious event and look forward to an unforgettable celebration of international youth football in our Council area.”
The 2025 SuperCupNI will feature 66 Girls’ and Boys’ teams and over 1,200 elite young footballers competing in over 150 matches across five age groups.
Fixtures will take place across Causeway Coast and Glens, Antrim and Newtownabbey and Mid and East Antrim Borough Councils, with the Boys’ Premier, Junior, and Minor Finals at Coleraine Showgrounds and the Girls’ Premier and Junior Finals at Dixon Park, Ballyclare.