Mid and East Antrim is preparing to play host to the future stars of world football, as the 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI brings its unique blend of elite competition and international flair back to the Borough this summer.
With fixtures scheduled for Kells and Broughshane, local venues will provide the stage for thrilling group and knock-out games across the Boys’ Premier, Junior and Minor Sections as some of the most exciting young talent from around the globe competes for glory.
Mid and East Antrim is one of several host locations for the 2025 tournament, which officially kicks off on Sunday 27th July with the Opening Parade and Ceremony, before a full week of fixtures takes place from Monday 28th July to Friday 1st August.
Now in its 42nd year, the tournament continues to attract elite youth sides from across the globe, with over 62 boys’ and girls’ teams from across the UK, Ireland, Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East taking part, with more than 55,000 supporters expected to attend matches.
Among the standout names competing this year are Manchester United, Rangers, Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton, AFC Bournemouth, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Celtic, Blackburn Rovers, Leeds United, Ross County and Kilmarnock, joined by a strong international contingent from Mexico, Japan, the USA and the UAE.
They’ll line up alongside County representative teams, as well as leading local clubs such as Crusaders, Cliftonville, Larne, Linfield, Glenavon, Coleraine, Shankill Juniors and Ballymena United.
Mayor of Mid & East Antrim Borough, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome teams from across Northern Ireland and around the world to Mid and East Antrim for this year’s Budget Energy SuperCupNI. Hosting matches in such a prestigious international tournament is a tremendous honour and a powerful endorsement of the calibre of facilities, support and welcome we provide.
“This event is about more than football. It is about inspiring the next generation of young athletes, creating lifelong memories for players and supporters and showcasing Mid and East Antrim as a dynamic, community-driven place to live, visit and invest.
“The tournament brings a real sense of pride and togetherness across our Borough. From increased footfall for local businesses to the opportunity for homegrown players to share the stage with international talent, the impact is far-reaching and long lasting. I encourage everyone to come along, support the games in Kells and Broughshane and be part of what promises to be a truly memorable week of football.”
The 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI will officially kick off on Sunday 27th July with the much-anticipated Welcome Parade and Opening Ceremony, setting the tone for an unforgettable week of top-class competition that will culminate on Friday 1st August with Finals Day for the Boys’ Premier, Junior and Minor Sections
Victor Leonard, Chairperson of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said: “We are pleased to once again bring top-class international youth football to Mid and East Antrim as part of the 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI.
“Kells and Broughshane have established themselves as trusted venues that consistently deliver competitive fixtures, memorable moments and a warm welcome for teams and supporters from around the world. This helps us uphold the high standards the tournament is known for and contributes to the wider positive impact the Budget Energy SuperCupNI brings to local communities.”
“We look forward to another exciting week of football in the Borough and thank the Council and local volunteers for helping make it possible.”
The 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is proudly supported by headline partner Budget Energy, alongside a strong line-up of valued 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; Clearer Water; Tesco; The Premier League; TrustFord; 247.tv; and BuyTicketApp.