Three debutants among local teams announced for 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI Minor Section

Sparky, the Budget Energy mascot, joins players as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms the eight Northern Ireland representatives for the 2026 Boys’ Minor Section, the first official team announcement ahead of next summer’s 43rd edition of the tournament.

Pictured left to right are Callum McCabe (Rosario YFC), Dylan Harkin (Maiden City), Archie Muir (Ballymena United), Flynn Johnston (Cliftonville), Luke Duddy (Linfield), Lorcàn Duffy (Newell Academy), Ben Robinson (Glenavon) and Joe Gaston (Portadown) representing a strong local contingent of elite clubs and leading grassroots clubs set to feature at the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.

Three emerging grassroots clubs are set to experience one of world football’s most prestigious youth stages after the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirmed the eight Northern Ireland representatives for the 2026 Boys’ Minor Section.

The announcement marks the first official team confirmation ahead of next summer’s 43rd edition of the tournament, with Linfield, Cliftonville, Ballymena United, Glenavon, Portadown, Rosario, Maiden City and Newell Academy forming a strong and competitive local contingent.

While established NIFL clubs once again feature prominently, the inclusion of Rosario of South Belfast and Derry-Londonderry sides Maiden City and Newell Academy represents a significant milestone for grassroots football in Northern Ireland, with all three clubs set to make their SuperCupNI debuts.

Sam Gamble, Tournament Coordinator at the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, and Karl Bradley, Marketing Executive at Budget Energy, are pictured with young players as the tournament confirms the eight Northern Ireland representatives for the 2026 Boys’ Minor Section - the first official team announcement ahead of next summer’s 43rd edition.

Pictured left to right are Callum McCabe (Rosario YFC), Dylan Harkin (Maiden City), Archie Muir (Ballymena United), Flynn Johnston (Cliftonville), Luke Duddy (Linfield), Lorcàn Duffy (Newell Academy), Ben Robinson (Glenavon) and Joe Gaston (Portadown) representing a strong local contingent of elite clubs and leading grassroots clubs set to feature at the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.

Last summer’s Boys’ Minor Section produced one of the standout moments of the 2025 tournament, as Cliftonville edged past Linfield in a thrilling all-Belfast final at the Coleraine Showgrounds. That success now sees Cliftonville take Northern Ireland onto the global stage, with the club set to compete at the world-renowned Mina Cup in Dubai in April 2026 as reigning Minor Section champions.

With Cliftonville and Linfield returning next summer, alongside NIFL Premiership clubs Ballymena United, Portadown and Glenavon, anticipation is already building for another compelling chapter in the tournament’s youngest boys’ age group.

The Minor Section remains the only Boys’ category to feature club sides from Northern Ireland and is consistently one of the most heavily subscribed sections of the tournament. Organisers have confirmed that several major international teams are set to be announced in early 2026.

The standard is already expected to surpass that of 2025, when the competition featured clubs including Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers, Kilmarnock, Ross County, Surf Select, IDA Bermuda and Al Jazira Club.

Pictured left to right are Callum McCabe (Rosario YFC), Dylan Harkin (Maiden City), Archie Muir (Ballymena United), Flynn Johnston (Cliftonville), Luke Duddy (Linfield), Lorcàn Duffy (Newell Academy), Ben Robinson (Glenavon) and Joe Gaston (Portadown) representing a strong local contingent of elite clubs and leading grassroots clubs set to feature at the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.

Sean O’Loughlin, Managing Director at Budget Energy, said:

“Our first year as headline partner of the SuperCupNI was a real highlight for everyone at Budget Energy. It went beyond anything we expected. The passion around the tournament, the standard of football and the way the whole event is delivered reminded us exactly why we wanted to be involved in the first place.

“We are already looking forward to 2026 and to playing our part again in what is always a brilliant week for young players, their families and the local communities.

“This is a great way to begin the team announcements for 2026 and we are delighted for all eight Northern Ireland clubs included in the Minor Section, especially the two teams from close to our Derry-Londonderry headquarters.

“The Budget Energy SuperCupNI gives young players an opportunity they do not get anywhere else and we wish every team the very best as they prepare for next summer.”

Now entering its 43rd year, the Budget Energy SuperCupNI continues to be regarded as one of the world’s premier youth football competitions. The 2026 tournament will take place from Sunday 26 July to Friday 31 July, welcoming a minimum of 62 Boys’ and Girls’ teams from across the globe.

More than 1,200 young players will compete in over 150 matches across five age groups, with fixtures hosted throughout Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The Boys’ Section Cup Finals will be staged at The Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday 31 July, while the Girls’ Section Cup Finals will take place at Dixon Park, Ballyclare on Thursday 30 July.

Sam Gamble, Tournament Coordinator at the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said:

“We are pleased to confirm the eight local sides for the Boys’ Minor Section at the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI. Choosing the local teams is never straightforward.

“The level of interest grows every year and many strong local clubs put their names forward. Our process is based on clear criteria and early season performances and we are confident we have arrived at a very strong and well deserving line up.

“It is great to welcome three new teams, Rosario, Maiden City and Newell Academy, which reflects the progress being made in youth football across Northern Ireland. Alongside them, having Linfield, Cliftonville, Ballymena United, Glenavon and Portadown involved means we can look forward to another highly competitive Minor Section.

“Last year’s final between Cliftonville and Linfield was one of the best we have seen at this age group. With several major international teams still to be confirmed in early 2026, we are looking forward to another exciting chapter for the tournament.”

The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is proudly supported by headline partner Budget Energy, alongside Tourism NI, 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.

For more information, visit www.supercupni.com.