With over 200 days until the start of the 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI, the organisers behind the prestigious tournament have confirmed the eight clubs from Northern Ireland, who will take their place in the Minor section.
The Minor section (U13 age group) was first introduced in 2018, and it has grown in stature and prestige with every passing year. It has provided some of Northern Ireland’s top club sides with an incredible opportunity to take on some of the very best from across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Tournament chairperson Victor Leonard said the interest in the Minor section continues to grow annually and added that he was once again looking forward to seeing how some of Northern Ireland’s top clubs fare at the tournament.
“Last summer we had record crowds at the Minor tournament and our two semi-finals were sell-outs at Anderson Park, which showcases the popularity of this section of the tournament.
“This section also has the added incentive of the winners qualifying for the Mina Cup in Dubai and we are looking forward to seeing how Crusaders fare in the Gulf in April. They will be the first team from Northern Ireland to participate in the Mina Cup, a tournament we have very strong affiliations with in Dubai.
“The Minor section was introduced to provide these sort of invaluable opportunities for local clubs and I am sure there is a great deal of excitement among the NI clubs as they ramp up preparations for the tournament next summer.”
Reigning champions Crusaders are once again returning to the tournament and their class of 2025 will hope to follow in the footsteps of the team that won the Minor section last summer. Fellow Belfast side Linfield FC have yet to secure top spot in the Minor section and they will hope to go one step better than their second-place finish last summer.
North Belfast side Cliftonville FC are signed up once again for the 2025 tournament and they are joined in the tournament by newcomers Shankill Juniors, who have impressed everyone in the National League so far this season.
Lurgan outfit Glenavon FC are long standing supporters of the tournament, and they are back for another tournament, and they are joined by fellow Armagh side Loughgall Youth FC. Concluding the line-up are hometown favourites Coleraine FC and Ballymena United. The remaining non-Northern Irish entrants will be confirmed in January.
The Budget Energy SuperCupNI 2025 will commence on Sunday 27th July, with the traditional welcome parade and opening ceremony in Coleraine. Finals day will once again take place at the Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday 1st August.
