The former international defender, who earned 80 caps for his country, led 62 elite boys’ and girls’ teams through the streets of Coleraine, before officially opening the 42nd edition of Northern Ireland’s premier youth football tournament in front of a packed crowd at the Coleraine Showgrounds.

More than 1,200 of the brightest young players from five continents have arrived in the region for a week of top-class international youth football, with over 150 matches set to take place at venues across the Causeway Coast and Glens, Antrim and Newtownabbey and Mid and East Antrim.

More than 55,000 spectators from across the globe are expected to attend the tournament, and culminating in the drama, emotion and celebration of Finals Day.

The Girls’ Premier and Junior Finals will take place at Dixon Park, Ballyclare on Thursday 31^st July, while the Boys’ Minor, Junior and Premier Finals will be staged at the Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday 1^st August.

A commanding centre back during his playing days, McAuley competed in the tournament in 1994 when he represented the Dundonald Junior League in the Boys’ Junior Section. He went to play for Crusaders and Coleraine before enjoying a distinguished playing career in England with Lincoln City, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and West Brom.

Since retiring in 2019 at the age of 39, following a 23-year playing career, McAuley has remained a key figure in the international set-up, working as a coach with Northern Ireland’s Under-17 and Under-19 squads before being appointed manager of the Under-19 men’s team in 2023.

Gareth McAuley MBE, former West Bromwich Albion and Northern Ireland international, said: “It’s a real privilege to officially launch this year’s Budget Energy SuperCupNI. Playing in this tournament was a huge moment in my development as a young player and it gave me memories and friendships that have lasted a lifetime. It also offered a first glimpse of what it meant to compete at a higher level and that experience helped shape the rest of my career.

“There’s something truly special about this tournament. The welcome parade and opening ceremony are unforgettable and I know how much it means to the players to be part of it. To see thousands of people lining the streets and cheering them on shows just how important this tournament is to Northern Ireland and to the many top-class teams who travel here from around the world.

“I’d encourage every young footballer taking part this week to embrace the occasion, give it everything and take pride in representing their team and their country. I wish everyone the very best of luck for what I’m sure will be another brilliant week of football.”

The 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI boasts one of the most competitive and globally diverse line-ups in the tournament’s 42-year history, with elite clubs from the UK, Ireland, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia set to compete across five fiercely contested age categories.

Victor Leonard, Chairperson of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said: “The Opening Ceremony and welcome parade are always a special highlight of the week and this year’s was one of the best we have ever seen. To have thousands of people lining the streets and packing the Coleraine Showgrounds to celebrate the start of the tournament demonstrates its longevity, enduring appeal and special place in Northern Ireland’s sporting calendar.

“We are especially grateful to Gareth McAuley for officially opening this year’s tournament. He is a fantastic role model for young footballers here, having played in the competition himself before going on to forge a successful professional and international career.

ENJOYABLE WEEK

“I also want to pay tribute to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, who are the backbone of this tournament, and to thank local councils and our partners whose support ensures we can continue to deliver an event of this scale and quality.”

Sean O’Loughlin, Managing Director of Flogas Ireland & Budget Energy, added: “It was a real privilege to experience the Welcome Parade and Opening Ceremony in Coleraine. The colour, energy and emotion made it a spectacular curtain raiser to what promises to be an unforgettable week of international youth football.

“What struck me most was the incredible sense of community, with players, coaches, families and fans coming together to celebrate youth sport on a global scale. It speaks volumes about the pride Northern Ireland takes in hosting this tournament and the impact it continues to have.

“It was also a pleasure to meet Gareth McAuley. He is a genuine role model whose journey from SuperCupNI participant to international footballer is a source of inspiration for the next generation.

“As official main partner, we are proud to support a tournament that not only showcases elite footballing talent but creates lifelong memories for everyone involved. We wish all the teams the very best for an enjoyable and successful week.”

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.

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Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Coleraine and packed the stands and terraces of the Coleraine Showgrounds to give a rousing welcome to over 1,200 elite young footballers from around the world at the tournament’s annual welcome parade and opening ceremony.

The 2024 SuperCupNI, celebrating its 41st year, will see 64 girls’ and boys’ teams across five age groups participating in over 150 competitive matches in what’s set to be an exciting week of international youth football.

Over 70,000 spectators from around the world are expected to attend the tournament. The world-renowned event will conclude with the brilliance, triumph, agony and heartbreak of Finals Day on Friday 26^th July.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “SuperCup NI is a prestigious competition renowned across the globe for attracting top teams and providing a fantastic platform for young footballers to excel.

“The tournament is a significant event in our sporting calendar but it delivers so much to the local community and wider economy too. It showcases Northern Ireland to a global audience and represents a significant boost to our tourism and hospitality industry.”

Cookstown native Stuart Dallas shone at the SuperCupNI when he represented County Tyrone between 2005 and 2008, before embarking on a hugely successful career that saw him star for Leeds United in the English Premiership. He also won 62 caps for Northern Ireland and played at Euro 2016.

The former Leeds United and Northern Ireland international said: “It’s an incredible honour to be here to officially launch this year’s SuperCupNI. Playing in this tournament was crucial in my football development. It helped shape me as both a player and a person, providing unforgettable memories and invaluable experiences that have stayed with me throughout my career.

“To all the young footballers participating this year, I encourage you to enjoy the competition and have fun with the friendships you make along the way. This tournament is not just about winning, but about enjoying the journey, learning as much as possible, and growing as players and individuals. I wish all the players and teams the best of luck and hope they have an amazing week of football.”

The 2024 SuperCupNI Boys’ tournament showcases some of the world’s top clubs, including English Premier League representatives Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and West Ham United, along with Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers from the Scottish Premiership.

They will be joined by a host of international teams that have made the trip to Northern Ireland, such as Club Deportivo Toluca from Mexico, Inter CT from Connecticut, USA, and the UAE-based Barca Academy Dubai, a satellite academy of FC Barcelona.

The Girls’ tournament features an equally impressive lineup, with Manchester United joined by fellow Premier League teams Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as USSSA and Surf Select from the USA and the Northern Ireland national team.

Victor Leonard, Chairperson for SuperCupNI said: “We are thrilled to welcome such a diverse and talented group of young footballers to Northern Ireland for the 2024 SuperCupNI. This tournament has a rich history of showcasing the best in international youth football, and this year promises to be no different.

“The SuperCupNI is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of football, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange. It highlights everything that is good about Northern Ireland – from our passion for football and stunning landscapes to the warmth and hospitality of our people.

“The support from the deputy First Minister and Stuart Dallas highlights the significance of this event, not just for the participants, but for the entire region, and we’re incredibly grateful to all our partners and sponsors whose generosity and support make this tournament possible.

“We are excited for an action-packed week filled with competitive matches, and we look forward to seeing these young footballers display their skills and talent on an international stage. We wish all the teams the best of luck and hope everyone enjoys the experience.”

The group stages and knockout rounds will be held at venues across Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The 2024 SuperCupNI Cup Finals for the Boys’ Premier, Junior, and Minor sections will take place at the Coleraine Showgrounds, with the Cup Finals for the Girls’ Premier and Junior sections taking place at Dixon Park in Ballyclare.

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The UK-based insurance broker will kick-off a multi-year tournament partnership with the SuperCupNI this summer with high-profile clubs like Manchester United, West Ham United, Celtic and Rangers set to visit Northern Ireland for the week-long event.

The 2024 SuperCupNI, celebrating its 41st year, will attract over 50,000 visitors and up to 2,500 participants as young players, families, friends and football fans from all over the world attend the tournament.

The annual youth football tournament, taking place from Sunday 21^st to Friday 26^th July, will feature elite girls’ and boys’ teams from around the world competing in a week of matches across multiple age groups to be crowned the 2024 SuperCupNI champions.

Sterling has over 30 years’ experience. It provides insurance and solutions for the drivers of Northern Ireland. They provide cover for all of life’s journeys including those involving young drivers, classic car motorists and van owners.

This long-term partnership with the SuperCupNI is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the sporting talents of young individuals and promoting the health and well-being of communities across Northern Ireland.

Andy Morton, General Manager at Sterling Insurance said: “We feel proud, and privileged, to have agreed a three-year association with one of the world’s most respected youth football tournaments.

“The SuperCupNI is synonymous with Northern Ireland and brings so much joy and positivity to the country and we’re excited to be part of that, starting this summer.

“Sterling Insurance is here to support the organisers, provide some backing and bring in a few touches that can hopefully add something a little new to the week. We want to enhance the experience where we can and help make more memories.

“There are lots of exciting ideas in the pipeline that we hope to unveil in the coming weeks as we look to give something back and provide an extra platform for the players, organisers and local community.”

Victor Leonard, Chairperson of the SuperCupNI added: “We’re delighted to welcome Sterling Insurance on board as a key tournament partner for the next three years. It’s another exciting partnership for SuperCupNI as we prepare for what promises to be an exceptional 2024 tournament.

“We look forward to working closely with Sterling Insurance over the next three years to deliver a collaborative and dynamic partnership that will not only benefit and grow the tournament but help the UK-based insurance broker expand its local presence and customer footprint and make a positive impact on communities and youth football in Northern Ireland.”

The 2024 SuperCupNI will feature over 60 teams across five age groups (male and female) at venues across Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

It will kick off with its traditional opening parade and opening ceremony on Sunday 21^st July with Finals Day taking place on Friday 26^th July.

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