Elite academies return to Antrim and Newtownabbey - “attracts visitors, supports local businesses and showcases our excellent facilities”
The Energy SuperCupNI Girls' Tournament will take place later this month (image credit: Pixabay)
Elite academies from across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US - including Liverpool and Manchester United - will head to Antrim and Newtownabbey later this month.
The Borough will once again host the Girls' Premier and Junior Sections of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI Girls' Tournament from Monday 27 to Thursday 30 July 2026.
The tournament will feature elite academies and representative teams from across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US competing across five venues.
Liverpool have been drawn alongside Manchester United, Norwegian side IL Heming and American academy Desert Empire in Group A.
Group B features defending champions Shamrock Rovers, Aston Villa, Northern Ireland and Chicago City.
In the Girls' Junior Section, reigning champions Manchester United begin the defence of their title against Glentoran, Linfield and Kilmarnock, while Surf Select from the United States will face Desert Empire Surf, Crusaders and Cliftonville.
In one of the standout fixtures of tournament week, Liverpool will take on Manchester United under the lights at Dixon Park, Ballyclare on Tuesday 28 July.
Matches will be played at Dixon Park, Ballyclare; Chimney Corner, Antrim; Cloyne Crescent, Monkstown and The Diamond, Rathcoole, with thousands of supporters expected to attend.
Councillor Henry Cushinan, mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said: "It's a real privilege for our Borough to host some of the biggest names in youth football, and to welcome talented young players from across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the United States to compete here.
"The growth of the Girls' Tournament over recent years has been fantastic to see. Having clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa playing alongside international representative teams is a brilliant opportunity for local people to watch top-class football and for young girls to see where the game can take them.
"The tournament also brings real benefits to our Borough. It attracts visitors, supports local businesses and showcases our excellent facilities and the warm welcome our communities are known for."