County Antrim SuperCupNI squad named with Ballymena teens selected

Two young Ballymena footballers are preparing to take on some of the biggest names in world youth football after being selected for the 2026 County Antrim SuperCupNI squad ahead of this summer’s tournament.

Charlie O’Neill and Jack Orr have both secured places in the County Antrim Boys Junior panel, giving local football fans another strong Ballymena connection to one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious sporting events.

The announcement comes as organisers confirmed broadband company Fibrus as the official primary sponsor of the County Antrim teams for the 2026 competition.

More than 1,200 young players from around the globe are expected to compete across Antrim and Newtownabbey when the SuperCupNI gets underway in July, with crowds of over 50,000 traditionally attending fixtures throughout tournament week.

Ballymena players set for elite opposition

Charlie O'Neill with Colin Hutchinson, Group Managing Director of Fibrus 

The Boys Junior section, played at Under-14 level, will see County Antrim face an eye-catching group featuring County Tyrone, Scottish giants Celtic FC and English side Blackburn Rovers in Group B.

Charlie O’Neill, who currently plays for Ballymena FC, has been named in the squad alongside Ballymena local Jack Orr, who plays for Larne FC.

Ballyclare player Riley McCreery has also been selected as part of the wider County Antrim Junior squad.

Jack Orr with Colin Hutchinson, Group Managing Director of Fibrus 

The full Junior panel includes:

• Carter McAllister

• Cuan O Bradaigh

• Ronan Vernon

• Taylor Magee

• Cruz O’Neill

• Charlie McKnight

• Ruben McLernon

• Aidan Green

• Riley Black

• Kylan Morrison

• Anton Malachy Doras

• Cuan Carmichael

• Keagan O’Connor

• Ryland Perry

• Bobbie McCullough

Players have been selected from clubs including Cliftonville, Linfield, Ballymena United, Shankill Juniors, Larne and Glentoran.

Tournament remains one of Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting events

Formerly known as the NI Milk Cup, the SuperCupNI has built an international reputation since launching in 1983.

The tournament has long been regarded as one of the world’s leading youth football competitions and regularly attracts elite academy sides and scouts from across the UK and beyond.

This year’s competition includes Boys Minor, Junior and Premier divisions, alongside Girls Junior and Premier tournaments.

For many local players, selection represents a major milestone in their football development and an opportunity to compete in front of large crowds against academy talent from some of the world’s best-known clubs.

Manchester United and Rangers await Premier squad

County Antrim’s Boys Premier team also faces a demanding challenge after being drawn in Group D alongside Rangers FC, Manchester United and Intercontinental FA.

The 16-team Premier section features players drawn from clubs including Larne FC, Crusaders, Cliftonville, Coleraine FC, Glentoran and Linfield.

Among the standout names selected is Larne FC player Phoenix Blayney, who has recently spent time on trial with Premier League giants Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC.

The remainder of the Premier squad includes Luca Lavery, Jordan Bradley Camlin, Cohen Ennis, Conor Fitzsimons, Caoimhin Connolly, Eoin Harden, Alex Kennedy, Jamison Rainey, Padai O’Kane, Padraig Kelly, Calum Meighan, Oscar Spence, Noah Stewart, Damian Sitnicki, Lennon McCann, Daniel Parkinson and Jacob Sawyer.

Fibrus confirmed as primary sponsor

Tournament organisers also confirmed that Fibrus Broadband will support the County Antrim teams as primary sponsor for 2026.

Gary Chisholm, Chairman of County Antrim SuperCupNI, said the competition gives young players a rare opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition on an international stage.

He said:

“This is an important moment for our players as they prepare to represent County Antrim on one of the biggest youth football stages in the world.

“SuperCupNI is a chance for the team to challenge themselves against elite opposition and showcase their talent in front of a massive audience.

“Having the right support is invaluable, so we’re thrilled to have Fibrus on board this year. As a business, they recognise the importance of investing in our young people through sport.”

Colin Hutchinson, Group Managing Director of Fibrus, said the company was proud to back local youth sport and emerging football talent.

He said:

“This partnership is a fantastic extension of our continued commitment to supporting young people through sport.

“We know how vital sports can be for young people to stay active, build confidence and create lifelong friendships and connections.

“We’re proud to support the next generation of local football talent and to play a part in their journey.”

With fixtures against clubs such as Celtic, Blackburn Rovers, Rangers and Manchester United now on the horizon, attention will quickly turn to July as County Antrim’s young footballers prepare to represent the county — and their local clubs — on one of youth football’s biggest stages.