Lilianna McKeown (Cliftonville), Ava Upritchard (Crusaders), Maci Davidson (Linfield) and Aleah Neill (Glentoran) are pictured at Coronation Garden, Hazelbank Park, with the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, and Brian Hutchinson, representative of Uhlsport, as the Budget Energy SuperCupNI confirms its 2026 Girls’ Sections line-up
Liverpool to make historic debut in Premier Girls’ section at this summer’s SuperCupNIPREMIER League giants Liverpool will make their Budget Energy SuperCupNI debut in the Premier Girls section this summer.
The Anfield Reds, who have been long-time supporters of the tournament, participate in the girls’ section for the very first time joining 2024 winners and north west rivals Manchester United, who won the Globe Trophy last year. United lost out to eventual winners Shamrock Rovers in the group stage with the League of Ireland outfit back to defend their crown this year.The Northern Ireland national team, who won the competition back in 2023, also return along with Aston Villa, who lost out to the Red Devils in last summer’s Globe final. One of Illinois’ largest clubs, Chicago City, whose boys’ team made their debut in the Junior section last year, return to have a crack in the girls’ section. Norwegian side IL Heming make their tournament debut along with Desert Empire from California.Manchester United will be looking to defend their Junior Girls’ title which they won last year defeating Surf Select in the final with the American side hoping to go one better this summer. Chicago City make their Junior section debut while Kilmarnock, who appeared in the tournament for the first time last year, return to Northern Ireland. There’s plenty of Irish League representation with Cliftonville making their first-ever appearance in the Under-14 section alongside north Belfast neighbours Crusaders. Glentoran, who last participated back in 2022, make their first appearance at 11-a-side in the tournament, while regular attendees Linfield return after last appearing in 2023. The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, said: “For Antrim and Newtownabbey to once again host the Girls’ section of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI is an incredibly proud moment for us. “To have such legendary clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool back again for 2026 competing alongside the Northern Ireland national team and local representatives in Crusaders, Cliftonville, Glentoran and Linfield is fantastic. “It’s great to see newcomers from America and Norway coming to Antrim and Newtownabbey making this a fantastic showcase of the global and homegrown talent the competition attracts. “The Budget Energy SuperCupNI is now firmly established as a key fixture in our Borough’s sporting calendar as it continues to grow from strength to strength, and we look forward to welcoming players, coaches, families and supporters for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of international girls’ youth football.”Brian Hutchinson, Representative of Uhlsport, said: “With a long-standing partnership with the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, Uhlsport is immensely proud to see the tournament continue to set new standards year after year.
“The strength of this year’s Girls’ section, featuring clubs of the calibre of Manchester United and Liverpool, reflects both the tournament’s growing stature globally and the rapid progression of the women’s game locally and worldwide.
“We are proud to support the next generation of elite talent and to play our part in shaping the future of the game on a truly international stage.”
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will host all 16 teams competing in the Girls’ Premier and Junior Sections with an action-packed week of football kicking off across five venues from Monday 27th July.orough, including Cloyne Crescent (Monkstown), The Diamond (Rathcoole), Chimney Corner (Antrim) and Dixon Park (Ballyclare).
The Girls’ Premier and Junior Section Finals will be staged at Ballyclare Comrades’ Dixon Park on Thursday 30th July 2026. Sam Gamble, Tournament Coordinator at the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said: “The Girls’ sections has been one of the most exciting developments in the tournament’s recent history, and it continues to grow year-on-year. “The addition of another Premier League giant in Liverpool alongside the likes of Manchester United and Aston Villa and elite teams from the USA, Republic of Ireland and Scotland highlights the significance of this competition. “Once again I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for their outstanding support in hosting this year’s Girls’ sections of the tournament.“Their commitment and investment have been instrumental in helping the tournament reach new standards, both on and off the pitch.”
The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is proudly supported by headline partner Budget Energy, alongside a valued network of partners including 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.tvand BuyTicketApp.
For more information on the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, visit www.supercupni.com
