Liverpool join Manchester United in blockbuster SuperCupNI girls’ line-up

Lilianna McKeown and Mollie McCrea (Cliftonville), Ava Upritchard and Alice Shaw (Crusaders), Maci Davidson and Megan McCabe (Linfield), and Aleah Neill and Sophia Currie (Glentoran) are pictured at Coronation Garden, Hazelbank Park, as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms its 2026 Girls’ Sections line-up.

Liverpool will make a landmark first appearance in the Girls’ Premier section of this summer’s Budget Energy SuperCupNI, in what is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s strongest and most internationally diverse line-ups to date.

The inclusion of the Anfield club marks a significant milestone for the prestigious Northern Ireland youth tournament, which continues to expand the profile and calibre of its girls’ sections year after year.

For football fans across Ballymena, Antrim, Newtownabbey and the wider region, the arrival of one of the biggest names in world football underlines the growing stature of the competition and its increasing role in showcasing elite girls’ youth talent on a global stage.

Liverpool, long-time supporters of the tournament, will compete in the girls’ section for the first time, joining north-west rivals Manchester United, who lifted the Globe Trophy last year.

Manchester United and Shamrock Rovers return

Lilianna McKeown (Cliftonville), Ava Upritchard (Crusaders), Maci Davidson (Linfield) and Aleah Neill (Glentoran) are pictured at Coronation Garden, Hazelbank Park, as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms its 2026 Girls’ Sections line-up.

Manchester United return after winning the Girls’ Premier section in 2024, adding another layer of anticipation to this summer’s event.

Last year’s competition also saw Shamrock Rovers emerge as one of the standout stories of the tournament. The League of Ireland side went on to claim the title after progressing from the group stage, where United had narrowly missed out.

Now, the Dublin side return to Northern Ireland to defend their crown, setting up the prospect of another fiercely contested tournament.

Also back in the field are the Northern Ireland national team, who won the competition in 2023, alongside Aston Villa, who reached last summer’s Globe final before losing out to Manchester United.

The line-up is further strengthened by a growing international presence.

Chicago City, one of the largest clubs in Illinois, return after their boys’ team made its Junior section debut last year. This summer, the American club will test themselves in the girls’ competition.

Joining them are tournament newcomers IL Heming from Norway and Desert Empire from California, adding further international prestige.

Junior Girls’ section promises strong competition

The Junior Girls’ section is also expected to attract major attention.

Manchester United will be looking to defend the Junior Girls’ title they secured last year after defeating Surf Select in the final.

The American side return this summer with clear motivation to go one step further.

Chicago City will make their Junior section debut, while Scottish side Kilmarnock — who made their first appearance at the tournament last year — are set to return to Northern Ireland.

There is also strong representation from the Irish League.

Cliftonville will make their first-ever appearance in the Under-14 section, joined by north Belfast neighbours Crusaders.

Glentoran return for their first appearance at 11-a-side level since 2022, while regular tournament participants Linfield are back after last featuring in 2023.

That local club presence is likely to generate strong interest across Northern Ireland, with supporters keen to see homegrown teams test themselves against elite academy opposition from the UK, Ireland, Europe and the United States.

Major boost for local sport and Borough profile

Lilianna McKeown (Cliftonville), Ava Upritchard (Crusaders), Maci Davidson (Linfield) and Aleah Neill (Glendora) are pictured at Coronation Garden, Hazelbank Park, with the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, and Brian Hutchinson, representative of Uhlsport, as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms its 2026 Girls’ Sections line-up.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said the return of the girls’ section to the borough remains a major point of civic pride.

She said:

“For Antrim and Newtownabbey to once again host the Girls’ section of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI is an incredibly proud moment for us.

“To have such legendary clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool back again for 2026 competing alongside the Northern Ireland national team and local representatives in Crusaders, Cliftonville, Glentoran and Linfield is fantastic.

“It’s great to see newcomers from America and Norway coming to Antrim and Newtownabbey making this a fantastic showcase of the global and homegrown talent the competition attracts.

“The Budget Energy SuperCupNI is now firmly established as a key fixture in our Borough’s sporting calendar as it continues to grow from strength to strength, and we look forward to welcoming players, coaches, families and supporters for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of international girls’ youth football.”

Her comments underline the wider community and economic significance of the tournament, which annually brings visiting teams, families and supporters into local towns and venues across the borough.

Beyond the football itself, the event continues to strengthen Northern Ireland’s reputation as a destination for major youth sporting events.

Tournament’s global standing continues to rise

Brian Hutchinson, Representative of Uhlsport, said the quality of the field reflects the tournament’s rapid development.

He said:

“With a long-standing partnership with the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, Uhlsport is immensely proud to see the tournament continue to set new standards year after year.

“The strength of this year’s Girls’ section, featuring clubs of the calibre of Manchester United and Liverpool, reflects both the tournament’s growing stature globally and the rapid progression of the women’s game locally and worldwide.

“We are proud to support the next generation of elite talent and to play our part in shaping the future of the game on a truly international stage.”

The statement reflects a broader shift in women’s and girls’ football, with youth pathways increasingly receiving greater visibility and investment.

For Northern Ireland readers, that growth is especially significant as local clubs and national development pathways continue to strengthen.

Fixtures, venues and final details

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will host all 16 teams competing in the Girls’ Premier and Junior Sections, with an action-packed week of football kicking off from Monday 27 July.

The group stages and knockout rounds will take place at a range of venues across the borough, including Cloyne Crescent (Monkstown), The Diamond (Rathcoole), Chimney Corner (Antrim) and Dixon Park (Ballyclare).

The Girls’ Premier and Junior finals will both be staged at Ballyclare Comrades’ Dixon Park on Thursday 30 July 2026.

Tournament Coordinator Sam Gamble said the growth of the girls’ sections has been one of the competition’s most significant recent developments.

He said:

“The Girls’ sections has been one of the most exciting developments in the tournament’s recent history, and it continues to grow year-on-year.

“The addition of another Premier League giant in Liverpool alongside the likes of Manchester United and Aston Villa and elite teams from the USA, Republic of Ireland and Scotland highlights the significance of this competition.

“Once again I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for their outstanding support in hosting this year’s Girls’ sections of the tournament. Their commitment and investment have been instrumental in helping the tournament reach new standards, both on and off the pitch.”

Strong backing for 2026 tournament

The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is supported by headline partner Budget Energy and a wide network of supporting organisations.

These include Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Sterling Insurance, Creagh Concrete, Uhlsport, Clearer Water, Tesco, The Premier League, TrustFord, 247.tv and BuyTicketApp.

The breadth of support highlights the continued importance of the competition not only as a football tournament but as a major regional sporting event with tourism, economic and community value.

With Liverpool now entering the Girls’ Premier section for the first time, this summer’s tournament is already shaping up to be one of the most high-profile editions yet.

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At a glance:

• Liverpool will make their historic debut in the Girls’ Premier section at the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI

• Manchester United return as reigning Globe Trophy winners

• Teams from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Norway and the USA will compete

• 16 teams will play across five venues in Antrim and Newtownabbey

• Finals will take place at Dixon Park, Ballyclare, on Thursday 30 July 2026

• Tournament action begins Monday 27 July