The 2019 STATSports SuperCupNI Premier Section promises to be one of the most intriguing U17 tournaments in recent years, with a plethora of exciting new teams joining some tournament regulars for a shot at the Premier crown.
Indeed there are only two previous winners of the U17 Section in the mix for the 37th edition of the competition which gets underway on Sunday, July 28th with the parade through Coleraine town centre to the Showgrounds. So, could we have a new name etched on the U17 trophy come Friday, August 2nd?
Right to Dream from Ghana secured their first ever success at the Premier age group in 2017 when they edged past Club America in the decider.
The Ghanaian crowd favourites will have to be at their very best if they are to secure the 2019 crown. They’ve been placed in Group A with Mexican newcomers Atlante, Japanese first time entrants Riseisha HS and 2018 runners-up County Down.
2015 winners County Antrim have enjoyed great success at the competition in recent years and they were placed in Group C with Deportes Iquique from Chile, first time entrants Chippenham Town from England and NC Elite from the United States.
Scottish giants Celtic FC are one of the star names making their debut in the Premier section this summer. They line up in Group B with American side Global Premier Soccer, French regulars Vendee and County Tyrone.
The competition has been blessed to have attracted some quality Spanish sides in recent years with the likes of Real Sociedad, Malaga and Barcelona previous participants. This summer, Valencia will make their debut and they will go toe-to-toe with some of Northern Ireland’s best in County Armagh and County Fermanagh. Californian regulars Strikers FC are the fourth and final team in Group D.
English Premier League giants Newcastle United have an all English clash with Hull City to look forward to in Group E. Canadian side FC Edmonton will be hopeful of improving upon last year’s impressive debut and the fourth and final side comes in the shape of County Londonderry, who will once again be looking to make their mark against some exciting opposition.