THE stage is set for one of the biggest days in the Northern Ireland youth football calendar as the Northern Ireland Youth Football Association (NIYFA) prepares to host its flagship Subway Cup Finals Day on Monday 4 May at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown.
The NIYFA Subway Cup Finals are the highlight of the youth football calendar in Northern Ireland, bringing together the best boys’ and girls’ teams to compete for national titles.
From Under-11 through to Under-17, the day will feature a full programme of Cup and Plate finals across both boys’ and girls’ competitions, showcasing the very best of emerging talent within the game.
With action getting underway from 10am, Finals Day promises a celebration of skill, passion and progress, bringing together players, coaches, families and supporters for a landmark occasion in the youth football calendar.
Kirstey Elston, Senior Director, Marketing EMEA at Subway said: “We’re proud to continue our partnership with the NIYFA and to support a Finals Day that showcases the very best of youth football in Northern Ireland. Reaching a Cup Final is a major milestone for many young players, and it’s inspiring to see the talent, dedication and passion on display across all age groups.
“Through our Fresh Moves programme, we’re committed to helping young people stay active, bringing people together through sport and promoting the benefits of active living. Finals Day is a fantastic celebration of that journey, and of everyone who plays a part in making youth football possible.”
Several high-profile Cup Finals are set to take centre stage, with strong representation from some of Northern Ireland’s leading academies including Linfield, Cliftonville and Glenavon across the boys’ competitions.
Due to international call-ups, the Boys Under-14 Cup Final between Linfield and Cliftonville will take place in advance of Finals Day on Friday 1 May at Ulidia Playing Fields, with a 7.30pm kick-off.
With national titles on the line and some of the country’s most promising young players involved, the Cup Finals are expected to deliver a compelling and high-quality showcase of youth football at its very best.
Michael Hutton, Chair of the NIYFA said: “Finals Day is always a special moment in our calendar and a fitting way to bring the season to a close. For many of these players, it is the biggest occasion of their young footballing journey.
“We have seen a record number of entries this season, which speaks volumes about the strength of the grassroots game and the growing momentum behind youth football, particularly across the girls’ competitions.
“We are delighted to be back at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena and thank Mid Ulster District Council and the venue team for their continued support in helping us deliver an event of this scale.
“I would also like to recognise the dedication of our match officials, volunteers, families and supporters, who play such an important role in making these experiences possible for young players.
“Finally, our thanks go to Subway for their ongoing support. Their partnership has been instrumental in helping the game grow and ensuring opportunities like this continue to exist for young people across Northern Ireland.”
This year’s Finals Day will also support SANDS NI, the event’s nominated charity, which provides vital support to anyone affected by the death of a baby.
With a full programme of matches getting underway from 10.00am at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, supporters are encouraged to attend and be part of a special day of youth football. Admission is £5, which includes a programme.
For those unable to attend, all matches will be streamed live on NIYFA TV via the Exsporté YouTube channel, ensuring supporters can still follow the action throughout the day: https://www.youtube.com/@exsport%C3%A9
NIYFA Subway Cup Finals Fixture Schedule
Friday 1 May | Ulidia Playing Fields
7.30pm (3G Pitch) – Cliftonville vs Linfield (U14 Boys’ Cup Final)
Monday 4 May | Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown
10.00am (Pitch 1) – Glenavon FC Academy vs Portadown FC Youth (U11 Boys’ Cup Final)
10.00am (Pitch 5) – Ballymena United Women vs Magherafelt Sky Blues Blades (U12 Girls’ Plate Final)
11.00am (Arena 3G) – Linfield FC vs Glenavon FC Academy (U13 Boys’ Cup Final)
11.30am (Pitch 1) – Ballymena United YA vs Glenavon FC Academy (U12 Boys’ Cup Final)
11.30am (Pitch 5) – Mid Ulster Ladies vs Belfast Swifts (U13 Girls’ Plate Final)
1.00pm (Pitch 1) – Linfield FC Ladies vs Mid Ulster Ladies (U11 Girls’ Cup Final)
1.00pm (Arena 3G) – Cliftonville FC vs Glenavon FC Academy (U15 Boys’ Cup Final)
1.00pm (Pitch 5) – Moyola Park Youth vs St. Oliver Plunkett FC Colts (U12 Boys’ Plate Final)
2.30pm (Pitch 1) – Glentoran Women vs Linfield FC Ladies (U14 Girls’ Cup Final)
2.30pm (Pitch 5) – Glentoran FC vs Cliftonville FC (B) (U11 Boys’ Plate Final)
3.00pm (Arena 3G) – Larne FC (NIFL) vs Cliftonville FC (NIFL) (U16 Boys’ Cup Final)
4.00pm (Pitch 1) – Glentoran Women vs Bloomfield FC Girls (U13 Girls’ Cup Final)
4.00pm (Pitch 5) – Tristar Ladies vs Sion Swifts Tornados (U11 Girls’ Plate Final)
5.00pm (Arena 3G) – Ards FC Academy vs St. Oliver Plunkett FC (U17 Boys’ Cup Final)
5.30pm (Pitch 1) – Glentoran Women vs Bloomfield FC Girls (U12 Girls’ Cup Final)
5.30pm (Pitch 5) – Lisbellaw United vs Tristar FC Ladies (U14 Girls’ Plate Final)
U13 Cup – Glentoran Women vs Bloomfield Girls
David Harkin, Franchisee Performance Manager at Subway UK and Ireland, is pictured with Eliza Bull and Ellie McMillan ahead of the U13 Cup Final between Glentoran Women and Bloomfield Girls 2013
U14 Cup – Glentoran Women vs Linfield
David Harkin, Franchisee Performance Manager at Subway UK and Ireland, is pictured with Glentoran Women’s Brooke Holland ahead of their U14 Cup Final against Linfield FC
U11 Plate: – Tristar Ladies U11 vs Sion Swifts Tornados
David Harkin, Franchisee Performance Manager at Subway UK and Ireland, is pictured with Tristar Ladies U11’s Ava Roche ahead of their U11 Plate Final against Sion Swifts Tornados
U12 Plate – Ballymena United Women vs Magherafelt Sky Blues Blades
David Harkin, Franchisee Performance Manager at Subway UK and Ireland, is pictured with players from Ballymena United Women and Magherafelt Sky Blues Blades
U13 Plate – Mid Ulster Ladies vs Belfast Swifts
David Harkin, Franchisee Performance Manager at Subway UK and Ireland, is pictured with Brianna O’Neill and Fiàdh Farrell ahead of the U13 Plate Final between Mid Ulster Ladies and Belfast Swifts
U14 Plate – Lisbellaw United vs Tristar Ladies
David Harkin, Franchisee Performance Manager at Subway UK and Ireland, is pictured with Zara Wade and Beth Johnston ahead of the U14 Plate Final between Lisbellaw United and Tristar Ladies
