Tim McCann has experienced just about everything during a distinguished career in the Irish League, but the Glentoran first-team coach admits nothing compares to watching his son step onto the pitch at this week’s Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
The former Irish Cup winner has thrived in some of Northern Ireland’s biggest football occasions, playing in front of packed stadiums without feeling the pressure.
This week, however, McCann will swap the dugout for the touchline as proud father Lennon represents County Antrim in the Boys’ Premier Section.
“Oh, it’s far more nerve-wracking,” he said. “I could easily go out and play in an Irish Cup final at Windsor Park in front of 16,000 people and it wouldn’t bother me.
“But when your son’s playing, it’s like you’re playing yourself. You’re always nervous because you want them to do so well.
“It’s great memories though and I can’t wait for this week.
“They’ve been training for about eight weeks and have had a few friendlies as well. This is his second time here.
“The first time he was representing his club, and now he’s representing the county. They’ve got an unbelievable group with Rangers, Intercontinental FA and Manchester United.
“People are joking that it’s the group of death, but those are the fixtures you want. You want to play against those big sides.
“I can’t wait to get along to the games. I love the SuperCupNI. Just walking around the town and seeing the crowds and the smiles on the kids’ faces, it’s such a big tournament and such a popular tournament. I don’t think you’ll find a better youth football tournament anywhere else in the world.”
Having made the transition from player to coach, McCann fully appreciates the impact the Budget Energy SuperCupNI can have on young footballers.
“It’s like being a professional footballer for a week,” he said. “You’re playing in front of big crowds against world-famous clubs.
“If you’re playing against Manchester United, Liverpool, or whoever it may be, it shows you the standard at your age group and where you need to be.
“The other side of that is the number of scouts clubs have coming here to watch games. It just takes a bit of luck. You need to be in the right place at the right time and, if you catch somebody’s eye, you never know.
“The number of lives that have been changed because of this tournament is incredible. You only have to look at the number of players who have competed here and gone on to enjoy successful careers.
“You just never know what could happen. Worst-case scenario, you go back to your club with that experience under your belt and an extra eight weeks of fitness, so it works out well for everyone.”
McCann believes there are more opportunities than ever before for young players to progress from the Budget Energy SuperCupNI to the Irish League and beyond.
“The opportunities now are unbelievable,” he said. “Just look at how many young players are leaving here to join academies, and the SuperCupNI plays a huge part in that.
“But even if it doesn’t happen straight away, the Irish League is getting more recognition than ever before. You look at ourselves at Glentoran with Cammy Palmer, who was probably our best player last season, and he earned a move to Livingston.
“I think what attracts clubs to players in the Irish League is that they’re already competing at a really high level in men’s football, so they’re much better prepared when they get that opportunity.”
The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is proudly supported by headline partner Budget Energy, alongside a valued network of partners including Tourism NI, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Sterling Insurance, Creagh Concrete, Uhlsport, KLIR, IDS Accountants, Tesco, The Premier League, TrustFord, 247.TV and BuyTicketApp.
For more information on the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, visit www.supercupni.com
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For further information please contact:
AY.
Russell Lever
Mob: 07841676976
Email: russell@ay.studio
