Northern Ireland’s top youth teams set for showpiece NIYFA Subway Cup Finals Day in Cookstown
- Love Ballymena
- May 2
- 6 min read
David Harkin, Franchisee Performance Manager at Subway UK and Ireland, is pictured with a group of finalists from across the competing clubs ahead of the NIYFA Subway Cup Finals Day at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown, where Northern Ireland’s top youth teams will compete for national honours.
Northern Ireland’s most promising young footballers are set to take centre stage as 34 of the country’s leading youth teams prepare to compete for national honours at the NIYFA Subway Cup Finals Day on Monday 4 May.
Hosted at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown, the flagship event in the Northern Ireland Youth Football Association calendar will bring together boys’ and girls’ sides from Under-11 through to Under-17 for a full programme of Cup and Plate finals, marking one of the biggest days in grassroots football across the region.
A full day of finals showcasing emerging talent
With matches getting underway from 10am, the Finals Day schedule spans a packed programme across multiple pitches, offering a comprehensive showcase of the depth and quality of youth football in Northern Ireland.
The event is expected to draw players, coaches, families and supporters from across the country, celebrating not only the competitive edge of the game but also the progress and development of young athletes at all levels.
Several of Northern Ireland’s most established academies, including Linfield, Cliftonville and Glenavon, will be strongly represented across the boys’ competitions, underlining the high standard expected throughout the day.
Early fixture rearranged due to international call-ups
One of the standout fixtures, the Boys Under-14 Cup Final between Linfield and Cliftonville, has already been brought forward due to international call-ups.
The match is scheduled to take place on Friday 1 May at Ulidia Playing Fields, with a 7.30pm kick-off, ahead of the main Finals Day programme.
With national titles at stake across all age groups, organisers expect a compelling series of matches featuring some of the country’s most exciting emerging players.
Record participation reflects growth of the game
David Harkin, Franchisee Performance Manager at Subway UK and Ireland, is pictured with Glenavon’s Rhys Young, Glentoran’s Brooke Holland, Cliftonville’s Keagan O’Connor and Magherafelt Sky Blues’ Esmé Crossett ahead of the NIYFA Subway Cup Finals Day at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown, where Northern Ireland’s top youth teams will compete for national honours.
Michael Hutton, Chair of the NIYFA, said the scale of this year’s competition highlights the continued growth of youth football across Northern Ireland.
“Finals Day is always a special moment in our calendar and a fitting way to bring the season to a close. For many of these players, it is the biggest occasion of their young footballing journey.
“We have seen a record number of entries this season, which speaks volumes about the strength of the grassroots game and the growing momentum behind youth football, particularly across the girls’ competitions.
“We are delighted to be back at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena and thank Mid Ulster District Council and the venue team for their continued support in helping us deliver an event of this scale.
“I would also like to recognise the dedication of our match officials, volunteers, families and supporters, who play such an important role in making these experiences possible for young players.
“Finally, our thanks go to Subway for their ongoing support. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping the game grow and ensuring opportunities like this continue to exist for young people across Northern Ireland.”
Backing youth sport and active lifestyles
Kirstey Elston, Senior Director, Marketing EMEA at Subway, highlighted the importance of the partnership in supporting grassroots sport and encouraging young people to stay active.
“We’re proud to continue our partnership with the NIYFA and to support a Finals Day that showcases the very best of youth football in Northern Ireland. Reaching a Cup Final is a major milestone for many young players, and it’s inspiring to see the talent, dedication and passion on display across all age groups.
“Through our Fresh Moves programme, we’re committed to helping young people stay active, bringing people together through sport and promoting the benefits of active living. Finals Day is a fantastic celebration of that journey, and of everyone who plays a part in making youth football possible.”
Charity support and community focus
This year’s Finals Day will also support SANDS NI, the event’s nominated charity, which provides vital assistance to individuals and families affected by the death of a baby.
The inclusion of a charity partner adds an additional layer of community significance to the event, linking grassroots sport with wider support networks across Northern Ireland.
How to attend or watch live
Supporters are encouraged to attend the event in person, with admission priced at £5, which includes a programme.
For those unable to travel to Cookstown, all matches will be streamed live on NIYFA TV via the Exsporté YouTube channel, allowing supporters to follow every fixture throughout the day online:
Full fixture schedule confirmed
The Finals programme begins on Friday 1 May with the rearranged Under-14 Boys’ Cup Final, before continuing with a full schedule on Monday 4 May at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena.
Key fixtures include Glenavon FC Academy against Portadown FC Youth in the Under-11 Boys’ Cup Final, Ballymena United Women facing Magherafelt Sky Blues Blades in the Under-12 Girls’ Plate Final, and a series of high-profile clashes across boys’ and girls’ competitions throughout the day.
Among the headline matches are Linfield FC Ladies against Mid Ulster Ladies in the Under-11 Girls’ Cup Final, Cliftonville FC taking on Glenavon FC Academy in the Under-15 Boys’ Cup Final, and Larne FC facing Cliftonville FC in the Under-16 Boys’ Cup Final.
The day concludes with the Under-17 Boys’ Cup Final between Ards FC Academy and St. Oliver Plunkett FC, alongside the final girls’ fixtures across multiple age groups.
As teams from across Northern Ireland prepare to compete for silverware, the NIYFA Subway Cup Finals Day is set to deliver a standout celebration of youth football, offering a glimpse into the future of the game while bringing communities together for a day defined by ambition, achievement and opportunity.
NIYFA Subway Cup Finals - Fixture Schedule
• Monday 4 May - Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown
10.00am Kick-offs
Pitch 1 - U11 Boys’ Cup Final
Glenavon FC Academy vs Portadown FC Youth
Pitch 5 - U12 Girls’ Plate Final
Ballymena United Women vs Magherafelt Sky Blues Blades
11.00am - 11.30am Kick-offs
Arena 3G (11.00am) - U13 Boys’ Cup Final
Linfield FC vs Glenavon FC Academy
Pitch 1 (11.30am) - U12 Boys’ Cup Final
Ballymena United YA vs Glenavon FC Academy
Pitch 5 (11.30am) - U13 Girls’ Plate Final
Mid Ulster Ladies vs Belfast Swifts
1.00pm Kick-offs
Pitch 1 - U11 Girls’ Cup Final
Linfield FC Ladies vs Mid Ulster Ladies
Arena 3G - U15 Boys’ Cup Final
Cliftonville FC vs Glenavon FC Academy
Pitch 5 - U12 Boys’ Plate Final
Moyola Park Youth vs St. Oliver Plunkett FC Colts
2.30pm Kick-offs
Pitch 1 - U14 Girls’ Cup Final
Glentoran Women vs Linfield FC Ladies
Pitch 5 - U11 Boys’ Plate Final
Glentoran FC vs Cliftonville FC (B)
3.00pm Kick-off
Arena 3G - U16 Boys’ Cup Final
Larne FC (NIFL) vs Cliftonville FC (NIFL)
4.00pm Kick-offs
Pitch 1 - U13 Girls’ Cup Final
Glentoran Women vs Bloomfield FC Girls
Pitch 5 - U11 Girls’ Plate Final
Tristar Ladies vs Sion Swifts Tornados
5.00pm - 5.30pm Kick-offs
Arena 3G (5.00pm) - U17 Boys’ Cup Final
Ards FC Academy vs St. Oliver Plunkett FC
Pitch 1 (5.30pm) - U12 Girls’ Cup Final
Glentoran Women vs Bloomfield FC Girls
Pitch 5 (5.30pm) - U14 Girls’ Plate Final
Lisbellaw United vs Tristar FC Ladies
Quick tips for readers
Finals run across three main areas: Pitch 1, Pitch 5 and Arena 3G
Cup Finals are the main championship matches, Plate Finals run alongside them
Multiple matches kick off at the same time - plan ahead if attending
Early arrival recommended for key finals from 1.00pm onwards
At a glance
NIYFA Subway Cup Finals Day takes place Monday 4 May at Mid Ulster Sports Arena
34 teams competing across boys’ and girls’ competitions from U11 to U17
Matches begin at 10am with a full day of Cup and Plate finals
U14 Boys’ Cup Final moved to Friday 1 May due to international call-ups
Strong representation from leading academies including Linfield, Cliftonville and Glenavon
Record number of entries highlights growth in youth football, especially girls’ game
Event supports SANDS NI charity
Admission £5 including programme
All matches streamed live via NIYFA TV on Exsporté YouTube channel
