Albert Watson always reckoned that Edmonton’s finest youth players would benefit from a summer trip to his homeland to experience the SuperCupNI.
The former Linfield and Ballymena United defender has left the Canadian club he captained with passion for a new challenge at KR Reykjavik in Iceland.
But he’s happy to know that Edmonton have decided to test themselves in the Premier event of this summer’s prestige international youth tournament in Northern Ireland.
Edmonton’s senior side may have left the North American Soccer League but its youth academy continues to flourish.
It still sends teams to contest major world youth tournaments such as the Dallas Cup.
Watson, who played at the former Milk Cup as a youngster, says: “The Edmonton academy has a high standard and I know the players will love their experience in Northern Ireland.”
Back in 2000 Albert was in the County Antrim Junior squad that included present Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis plus fellow defenders Craig McLean and Jim Erwin.
He stepped up to the Premier squad the following year and was in action again in 2002. By 2003 he was in the Northern Ireland panel in the Elite, alongside Davis, Ervin, Sammy Morrow and Dean Shiels.
Watson, now based in Reykjavik, says: “My best memories are getting to play with class players such as Steven and Dean. I am proud that I was involved in a great win over Brazil.
“I also had the pleasure of being coached by Mervyn Montgomery in the Junior team and by Joe McCall in the Premier competitions, which I know improved me considerably as a player.
“The tournament was fundamental to the progression of my football career. To get the opportunity to compete against top quality opposition and also play with the best in the country at that age group was unforgettable.
“I have so many great memories of a fantastic learning curve towards what was expected at the next level.”
Tournament organisers are pleased to be renewing their links with Canada.
Secretary Jim Weir says: “The national team has been with us in the past and we have a good relationship with them.
“It is excellent news for us that Edmonton are on their way. The club’s experience at other major youth tournaments has helped to advance some of the county’s leading players.”
Canada’s national team finished runners-up to Northern Ireland in the final Elite competition in 2014.
Also contesting the event are New Zealand regulars Otago plus long time supporters from the Republic of Ireland Cherry Orchard, North Dublin Schoolboys League and Dundalk Schoolboys.
The SuperCupNI begins on Monday, July 23 and runs to Friday, July 27, with the traditional welcome parade through the streets of Coleraine on Sunday, July 22.