SuperCupNI push ahead with 2024 plans!

Following on from the success of their 40^th anniversary tournament, the organisers of the SuperCupNI have confirmed the dates for 2024.

The tournament will take place from 21^st to 26^th July, with the traditional parade and opening ceremony kicking off proceedings on 21^st July and the tournament will close with finals day on Friday 26^th July.

The 2023 tournament saw crowds flock in huge numbers to 18 grounds across three council areas.

In the boys tournament, County Londonderry created history as they secured the Premier title for the very first time as an extraordinary Jacob Dallas goal from inside his own half saw off a spirited Tigres UANL from Mexico.

In the Junior final, West Ham United ran riot against County Antrim, in what was the first Junior final held in the Coleraine Showgrounds in 14 years. Earlier on in the day Celtic also made history winning their first inaugural title after seeing off a plucky Dungannon United Youth in the Minor decider.

In the Elite tournament, a highly talented Valencia CF secured the title after a win over Manchester United, pipping Hertha Berlin to top spot.

This year’s tournament saw two highly competitive girls’ sections at Premier and Junior. In front of a 500 strong crowd at Dixon Park in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland defeated Surf Select, while over in nearby Mossley Park, Surf Select returned to the United States with the Junior title, defeating Linfield on penalties after an eight goal thriller.

SuperCupNI chairman Victor Leonard said plans are already afoot to build upon the huge success of the 2023 tournament.

“We welcomed 64 teams (boys and girls) from across the world and each of the games were very well attended, across our three council areas - Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

“Over the last few days, we have been gathering feedback from our 2023 participants and that has been overwhelmingly positive.

“So many of our teams have been fulsome in their praise with regards to the hospitality they have received, the warm welcome they get and the quality of the teams they participate against over the duration of the tournament.

“Hopefully many of those teams who participated in our 40^th anniversary will return next summer, and I know our tournament management team is already busy putting plans in place for 2024!”

Next year promises to be a bumper summer of sport both locally and on a global scale, with the European Championships taking place in Germany, the Olympics taking place in Paris and locally the UEFA U19 Championships taking place in Northern Ireland.

Further information regarding entry for the 2024 tournament will be available in late Autumn through www.supercupni.com