International academies return to the Borough
The Antrim and Newtownabbey area will once again be at the centre of youth football in late July when the Girls' Premier and Junior sections of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI Girls' Tournament take place from Monday 27 to Thursday 30 July 2026. The competition brings elite academy sides and representative teams from the UK, Ireland, Europe and the United States to fixtures staged at venues across the borough.
High-profile line-up and key fixtures
Competing teams will include well-known club academies alongside national and regional representative sides. In the Premier section Liverpool and Manchester United have been drawn together in Group A, joined by Norwegian side IL Heming and US academy Desert Empire. Group B features the defending champions Shamrock Rovers, Aston Villa, Northern Ireland and Chicago City. The Junior section will see Manchester United defend their title against Glentoran, Linfield and Kilmarnock, while US side Surf Select meet Desert Empire Surf, Crusaders and Cliftonville.
- Standout fixture: Liverpool v Manchester United at Dixon Park, Ballyclare on Tuesday 28 July (under lights)
- Premier and Junior sections: Matches across four borough venues
- International participation: Teams from Europe and the United States alongside UK and Irish clubs
Venues and local impact
Matches will be played at Dixon Park (Ballyclare), Chimney Corner (Antrim), Cloyne Crescent (Monkstown) and The Diamond (Rathcoole). Organisers are anticipating strong attendances, with thousands of supporters expected to travel to the borough for the tournament week.
| Venue | Location |
|---|---|
| Dixon Park | Ballyclare |
| Chimney Corner | Antrim |
| Cloyne Crescent | Monkstown |
| The Diamond | Rathcoole |
Council view and benefits to the borough
Councillor Henry Cushinan, mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, emphasised the pride in hosting top youth football teams and the community advantages the event brings.
"It's a real privilege for our Borough to host some of the biggest names in youth football, and to welcome talented young players from across the UK, Ireland, Europe and the United States to compete here. The growth of the Girls' Tournament over recent years has been fantastic to see. Having clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa playing alongside international representative teams is a brilliant opportunity for local people to watch top-class football and for young girls to see where the game can take them. The tournament also brings real benefits to our Borough. It attracts visitors, supports local businesses and showcases our excellent facilities and the warm welcome our communities are known for."
The mayor's comments underline two clear local outcomes: an influx of visitors that can support hospitality and retail businesses, and an opportunity for young people in the area to observe elite youth football close to home. The presence of major club academies also raises the profile of local sporting facilities and can encourage wider community interest in girls' football.
With a packed schedule across multiple community grounds, residents should expect increased visitor numbers and matchday activity across the borough during the final week of July. Supporters planning to attend are advised to check fixture listings and venue arrangements in advance.
