Global demand builds for 2027 SuperCupNI after record-breaking tournament
More than 40 clubs, professional academies and representative sides from around the world have already applied to compete in next year’s Budget Energy SuperCupNI, following a record-breaking 2026 tournament.
Applications are now open for the 2027 competition, which will return to Northern Ireland next July, bringing another major week of international youth football to venues across the north coast and wider area, including Mid and East Antrim.
The early interest follows a 2026 tournament which attracted 64 boys’ and girls’ teams from four continents, with more than 1,200 young players competing in over 150 matches across five age groups.
More than 60,000 visitors
Organisers say more than 60,000 visitors from Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and further afield attended during the six-day tournament.
Matches were staged across 17 venues in Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim, and Antrim and Newtownabbey.
The international field included teams from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Mexico, Japan, Ghana, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Right to Dream lifted the Boys’ Premier title, St Patrick’s Athletic won the Boys’ Junior competition, while Linfield claimed the inaugural Boys’ Minor crown.
Manchester United enjoyed a memorable double, winning both the Girls’ Premier and Girls’ Junior competitions.
Every match was streamed live worldwide through 247.tv, while the Boys’ Premier Final was broadcast by BBC Sport NI.
The tournament week began with its traditional welcome parade and opening ceremony at Coleraine Showgrounds, attended by more than 2,650 players, coaches, officials and supporters.
More than 40 applications already received
Attention has now turned to 2027, with the next tournament due to begin with its welcome parade and opening ceremony on Sunday 25 July.
Tournament Coordinator Sam Gamble said the response from clubs interested in taking part had been “extremely strong”.
He said:
“The response to the 2027 application process has been extremely strong, with more than 40 applications already received from leading academies, representative sides and clubs across the world.
“I have been speaking directly with many of the clubs interested in joining us next summer, and the calibre and international spread of those conversations demonstrate the standing the tournament has within the global game.
“Following the success of 2026, our focus is on assembling another high-quality and competitive field across all five age groups. We will consider every application carefully as we look to bring together leading international academies, representative teams and the best emerging talent from Northern Ireland.
“There is still time to apply, and I would encourage any club interested in competing in 2027 to submit its application as early as possible.”
Five age groups confirmed for 2027
The boys’ competition will again feature three age groups.
The Minor section is open to players born on or after 1 January 2014, the Junior section to those born on or after 1 January 2013, and the Premier section to players born on or after 1 January 2011.
The deadline for boys’ applications is 5pm on Monday 2 November 2026. Teams are expected to be informed of the outcome by Tuesday 22 December.
The girls’ tournament will feature Junior and Premier competitions.
The Junior section is for players born on or after 1 January 2013, while the Premier competition is for players born on or after 1 January 2011.
Applications for the girls’ tournament close on Tuesday 1 December 2026.
How to apply
Clubs interested in competing can submit an application and download the 2027 boys’ and girls’ tournament brochures at: www.supercupni.com
For enquiries about the boys’ tournament, Tournament Coordinator Sam Gamble can be contacted at: samgamble@supercupni.com
Girls’ tournament enquiries can be sent to: alfiewylie@supercupni.com
With more than 40 applications already submitted months ahead of the tournament, organisers now face the task of selecting the 2027 field as SuperCupNI prepares to bring another international line-up of emerging football talent to Northern Ireland next summer.
