ANTRIM and Newtownabbey will once again play host to world-class youth football as the Borough prepares to welcome some of the globe’s most talented young female footballers for the 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI Girls’ Premier and Junior Sections.
Taking place from Monday, July 28 to Thursday, July 31, the Girls’ tournament features a dynamic mix of elite-level academies from the UK and USA, alongside top local sides from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Among the headline teams for 2025 are Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, and the Northern Ireland international side, all set to compete across a packed four-day schedule at venues throughout the Borough.
In the Girls’ Premier Section, reigning champions Manchester United return to defend their title in Group B, where they will face Northern Ireland, Shamrock Rovers and US-based side Northeast Rush. Group A features Aston Villa, tournament debutants Brighton & Hove Albion, American academy side Surf Select and Finn Harps from County Donegal.
The Girls’ Junior Section will be contested in a mini-league format featuring six teams – Manchester United, Surf Select, Crusaders, Larne, FC United and Kilmarnock, with each side playing three fixtures with the top two teams progressing to the Cup Final.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said: “We are incredibly proud to once again welcome the SuperCupNI Girls’ Tournament to Antrim and Newtownabbey, an event that continues to grow in stature and significance each year.
“To host some of the biggest names in global youth football, including Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and our own Northern Ireland international side, is a huge honour for our Borough and a clear reflection of the calibre of facilities, support and welcome we are able to offer.
“This tournament is about so much more than football. It is about inspiring the next generation of female athletes, creating lifelong memories for players and supporters, and delivering real economic and community value across our towns and villages. From increased tourism and footfall for local businesses to enhanced visibility for women’s sport, the positive impact is wide reaching and long lasting.
“We are particularly proud to see local players lining up alongside international talent, demonstrating that pathways to the top of the game can begin right here in Antrim and Newtownabbey. I look forward to a fantastic week of football, friendship and fierce competition and I encourage everyone to come along and be part of it.”
Fixtures will be hosted across five high-quality venues in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough: Cloyne Crescent (Monkstown), The Diamond (Rathcoole), Chimney Corner (Antrim), Mossley Park (Mossley) and Dixon Park (Ballyclare).
Four days of top-class girls’ football will culminate in a thrilling Finals Day on Thursday, July 31, with the Girls’ Junior Cup Final kicking off at 4.00pm at Dixon Park in Ballyclare, before the spotlight turns to the showpiece Girls’ Premier Cup Final at 7.30pm at the same venue.
Victor Leonard, Chair of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI said: “The Girls’ Premier and Junior Sections have grown into one of the most exciting and fast-evolving elements of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, and this year’s line-up is a real statement of intent.
“To have global names like Manchester United, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion competing alongside our Northern Ireland representative squad, and leading clubs from the USA, Republic of Ireland and Scotland, is a testament to the tournament’s rising international profile. The depth of quality across both sections this year is outstanding, and we’re expecting strong crowds, high-quality football and some truly memorable moments.
“We are hugely grateful to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for their continued support and first-class hosting of the Girls’ Tournament. Their investment in facilities and their commitment to helping grow the women’s game have been instrumental in elevating the tournament to new levels year after year.”
Now in its 42nd year, the Budget Energy SuperCupNI has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier international youth football tournaments.
The 2025 edition will bring together 62 elite boys’ and girls’ teams from across the globe, with more than 55,000 spectators expected to enjoy a thrilling week of top-class youth football action.
The tournament will officially get underway on Sunday, July 27 with the much-anticipated welcome parade and opening ceremony that will set the tone for an unforgettable week of top-class competition.
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.
For more information, fixtures and tickets, visit the Budget Energy SuperCupNI website: www.supercupni.com.
