For the last two years the Junior section of the STATSports SuperCupNI has been dominated by the boys from County Antrim. And once again the holders will be hopeful of creating history this summer and becoming the first ever team to win three consecutive titles at the competition.
Antrim start their campaign with a clash against Dundalk, before facing County Fermanagh on day two and concluding their qualifying campaign with a clash against Mexican newcomers Pumas UNAM.
Last year’s runners-up Manchester United have amazingly never secured the Junior crown and the Old Trafford youngsters kick off their tournament with a clash against Strikers from California. The Red Devils will also face County Tyrone and fellow English side Charlton Athletic.
One of the standout entrants in the Junior section this summer is Arsenal. The Londoners will be making their debut at the competition and they have American opposition in Global Premier Soccer on day one, a clash with home side County Londonderry and an all English clash with Plymouth Argyle.
Scottish giants Rangers always attract a large following at the competition and they will continue their almost annual battle with County Armagh on the opening night in Ballymoney. The Ibrox youngsters will also face stern tests against English newcomers Bracknell Town and Global Premier Soccer.
Dundee United are also returning to the competition after a long absence and the Taysiders have an intriguing clash on the opening day against Leeds United, before facing County Armagh and O’Higgins from Chile, who have returned to the U15 section after an impressive showing in 2014.
The County teams have continued to improve year after year, and they will all have dreams and aspirations of following Antrim’s success in the Junior category.
The 2019 competition promises to be one of the best in recent years, with a plethora of top English talent, joining exciting sides from Scotland, South America, North America and Ireland.
With only Rangers and County Antrim having etched their name on the famous trophy in the past, there could be every chance that we could have a new winner celebrating on the winners’ podium on Friday evening at the Ballymena Showgrounds.