SuperCupNI returns with 100+ matches across Causeway Coast as global youth football tournament kicks off

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, is pictured with Rohan Roy and Ronan O'Donnell from Maiden City, and Levi Weir and Archie Muir from Ballymena United, who will compete in the Minor Section of the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.

Causeway Coast and Glens is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors from around the world as the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI returns next week, bringing six days of elite youth football and a significant boost for the local economy.

From Sunday 26 July to Friday 31 July, the internationally renowned tournament will see more than 1,200 young players compete in over 150 matches, with more than 100 fixtures taking place across Causeway Coast and Glens.

The Borough will also host some of the competition’s biggest moments, including the Welcome Parade and Opening Ceremony in Coleraine on Sunday and the prestigious Boys’ Cup Finals at Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday.

Elite clubs from around the world

Now in its 43rd year, Budget Energy SuperCupNI attracts some of the world’s leading football academies alongside international representative teams.

This year’s tournament features 64 Boys’ and Girls’ teams from Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Among the clubs taking part are Manchester United, Liverpool, Rangers, Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland, Southampton and Aston Villa, while international teams will travel from countries including Mexico, Japan, Denmark, the United States, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates.

While matches will be played across all three host council areas, Causeway Coast and Glens will stage the majority of the Boys’ Section fixtures, with games taking place in Coleraine, Ballymoney, Bushmills, Castlerock, Limavady, Portstewart and Portrush.

Economic boost for local businesses

Beyond the football, the tournament is expected to provide one of the busiest weeks of the summer for local businesses.

Hotels, restaurants, cafés, visitor attractions and accommodation providers are set to welcome thousands of players, coaches, officials, families and supporters throughout the week, with the event continuing to play an important role in the area’s visitor economy.

For many communities across the Borough, SuperCupNI has become a long-standing summer tradition, attracting returning visitors while showcasing the Causeway Coast to an international audience.

Council looks forward to welcoming visitors

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, said the tournament remains one of the area’s flagship events.

“The Budget Energy SuperCupNI has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading youth football tournaments and we are delighted to once again welcome it to Causeway Coast and Glens for its 43rd year.

“Hosting an event of this scale is a privilege for the Borough. Every summer, it brings thousands of players, coaches, families and supporters from across the world, giving us the opportunity to showcase not only world-class football, but also the warmth of our welcome, our renowned hospitality and the outstanding coastline, attractions and experiences that make Causeway Coast and Glens such a special place to visit.

“The tournament creates a fantastic atmosphere across our towns and villages and provides a valuable boost for local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants, cafés and visitor attractions. It is one of the flagship events in our annual programme and something our communities look forward to every year.

“We are proud to continue supporting the Budget Energy SuperCupNI and look forward to welcoming everyone to Causeway Coast and Glens for what promises to be another memorable week of football.”

‘More than football’

Tournament Coordinator Sam Gamble said the event’s success is built on the partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and the support of local communities.

“Causeway Coast and Glens has been central to the Budget Energy SuperCupNI for more than 40 years and we’re proud to once again bring the tournament back to the Borough.

“The continued support of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has been fundamental to the success of the tournament. An event of this scale simply wouldn’t be possible without that partnership.

“It’s about far more than financial support: it’s the facilities, the infrastructure, the planning and the commitment of Council officers throughout the year that allow us to deliver the tournament to the standard that clubs, players and supporters have come to expect.

“Many of the tournament’s defining moments take place here, from the Welcome Parade and Opening Ceremony to the Boys’ Cup Finals at Coleraine Showgrounds. But when teams head home, it’s often the people they met, the places they visited and the welcome they received that stay with them long after the football has finished. That’s a real credit to the communities, volunteers and everyone across Causeway Coast and Glens who helps make the tournament such a special experience.

“The Budget Energy SuperCupNI has always been about more than football. It creates opportunities for young people, brings communities together and showcases Northern Ireland to visitors from around the world. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back later this month for another memorable week.”

Tickets and admission

Tickets for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI are available through the tournament’s official ticketing partner, BuyTicketApp.

Multi-Match Tickets cost £25 for adults and £10 for under-16s, while Individual Matchday Tickets are £8 for adults and £5 for under-16s.

Tickets for the Boys’ Premier and Junior Finals are also priced at £8 for adults and £5 for under-16s.

Admission to the Boys’ Minor Final and Girls’ Section Finals costs £5 for adults and £1 for under-16s.

Supporters can find ticket information and purchase options at:

https://supercupni.com/tickets/

Tickets can also be bought through the BuyTicketApp mobile app, while contactless card payments and cash will be accepted at ticketed venues during tournament week.

Hard-copy Multi-Match Tickets are available locally from several authorised outlets, including Ballymena Tourist Information Centre at Bridge Street and Seven Towers Leisure Centre on Trostan Avenue.

What happens next

The tournament begins with the Welcome Parade and Opening Ceremony in Coleraine on Sunday 26 July before six days of international youth football conclude with the Boys’ Cup Finals at Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday 31 July.

With thousands of visitors expected throughout the week, communities across the Causeway Coast are set for another busy and high-profile celebration of youth football.

For fixtures, tournament information and tickets, visit https://supercupni.com/, with direct ticket information available at https://supercupni.com/tickets/.