Some of football’s biggest clubs will share the SuperCupNI stage with county players this summer following a landmark draw.
For over four decades Northern Ireland has provided a stage for some of the game’s most promising prospects and excitement is building towards the latest addition of the highly-respected showcase from July 26-31.
This week’s draw featured fixtures confirmed for boys and girls ahead of the Budget Energy-sponsored event – with Northern Ireland under 21s boss Tommy Wright a special guest at Newtownabbey’s Theatre at The Mill setting.
The 2026 edition has attracted representatives from giants such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Rangers and Celtic plus clubs on the international landscape across Europe, North America and Asia.
Tommy Wright (back right, manager of Northern Ireland under 21s) and Karl Bradley (back left, Budget Energy) at the SuperCupNI draw with, front row from left, Isaac Dixon, Curtis McKeown, Chloe Beckinsale and Charlotte Havern. Also included is Sparky the Budget Energy mascot. (Photo by SuperCupNI)placeholder image
Tommy Wright (back right, manager of Northern Ireland under 21s) and Karl Bradley (back left, Budget Energy) at the SuperCupNI draw with, front row from left, Isaac Dixon, Curtis McKeown, Chloe Beckinsale and Charlotte Havern. Also included is Sparky the Budget Energy mascot. (Photo by SuperCupNI)
Domestic focus will centre on the county representative squads within the 60-strong roster.
“This is exactly what the SuperCupNI is all about,” said Sam Gamble, Budget Energy SuperCupNI tournament co-ordinator. “It brings some of the biggest clubs in world football together with the very best of our local talent, creating a unique and truly international environment for young players.
“The draw has produced some outstanding match-ups across both the boys’ and girls’ sections and it sets the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive and exciting week of football this summer.
“This year marks a historic first for the tournament, with both the boys’ and girls’ sections drawn together in one event.
"That reflects the continued growth of the competition and the rising profile of the girls’ game on the international stage.
“We would also like to place on record our thanks to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for hosting tonight’s draw.
"The Theatre at The Mill provided a fantastic setting for such an important moment in the tournament calendar.
“We are also grateful to our three host councils for their continued support and for working collaboratively to bring this year’s draw together in one location, which represents an important step forward for the tournament.
“To be entering our 43rd year with a line-up of this quality reflects the strength and reputation the tournament has built globally.
"We are looking forward to welcoming players, coaches and supporters from across the world for what promises to be another special chapter in the SuperCupNI story.”
Thanks to Budget Energy, alongside a network of partners including 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, IDS Chartered Accountants, Tesco, The Premier League, TrustFord, 247.tv and BuyTicketApp.
The full draw is as follows:
MINOR SECTION: Group A – Rosario YFC, Ballymena United, Helsingor, Atlas; Group B – Glenavon, Portadown, Kilmarnock, Chicago City; Group C – Cliftonville, Maiden City, Ross County, Al Jazira FC; Group D – Linfield, Newell, Blackburn Rovers, Surf Select
JUNIOR SECTION: Group A – County Down, County Armagh, Helsingor, Leeds United; Group B – County Antrim, County Tyrone, Celtic, Blackburn Rovers; Group C – County Fermanagh, St Patrick’s Athletic, Charlton Athletic, West Ham United; Group D – County Londonderry, Chicago City, Plymouth Argyle, Tottenham Hotspur
PREMIER SECTION: Group A – County Tyrone, County Down, Right to Dream, Derby County; Group B – County Armagh, County Fermanagh, Kamimura Gakuen, Sunderland; Group C – County Londonderry, Iconz, Tigres UANL, Southampton; Group D – County Antrim, Intercontinental FA, Rangers, Manchester United
JUNIOR SECTION: Group A – Glentoran, Linfield, Kilmarnock, Manchester United; Group B – Surf Select, Chicago City, Crusaders, Cliftonville
PREMIER SECTION: Group A – Liverpool, Manchester United, IL Heming, Desert Empire; Group B – Aston Villa, Northern Ireland, Shamrock Rovers, Chicago City
Sean O’Loughlin, managing director at Budget Energy, added: “The draw has added real momentum ahead of this summer’s tournament, with some outstanding match-ups already taking shape across both the boys’ and girls’ sections.
“The strength of this year’s line-up underlines the global standing of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI and the calibre of teams it continues to attract from across the world.
“What sets the tournament apart is the opportunity it gives local players to test themselves against world-class opposition on home soil, while also showcasing Northern Ireland as a first-class host for international teams.
“There is a real sense of anticipation building and we are looking forward to what promises to be another outstanding week of football this summer.”
Support was also provided on the night by Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick and Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Oliver McMullan within the guest list of 150 at the draw.