All Coleraine Affair

THE draw for the STATSports SuperCupNI 2019 was completed at the MAC in Belfast by former Manchester United defender David May…

May, who was part of the 1998/1999 treble winning squad, helped conduct the draw for the Minor (U13), Junior (U15) and the Premier (U17) section.

Fifty four teams from across the globe will descend upon the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council areas for the 37th edition of the competition this summer.

Some of Europe’s most prestigious teams including Valencia, Arsenal, Manchester United, Celtic, Rangers and Newcastle United will take on some of Northern Ireland’s finest across the three age groups.

STATSports SuperCupNI chairman Victor Leonard said this year’s tournament could be one of the biggest and best yet.

“When we first started out in 1983 I never thought the tournament would get as big as it has.

“Through securing our title sponsor STATSports and our partnership with Global Premier Soccer we have been able to create a new dimension to the tournament

“They have helped to spread the name of the tournament even further afield and we are delighted to secure the likes of Arsenal and Valencia for the 2019 competition.”

In the Minor U13 tournament, some of Northern Ireland’s will face opposition from India, America and China.

In Group C there is an all Coleraine clash with Coleraine FC and Bertie Peacock Youth battling it out for local bragging rights.

The tournament begins with a parade of teams and welcoming ceremony in Coleraine on Sunday, July 28, with finals night at Ballymena Showgrounds on Friday, August 2.

MINOR U13 section

Group A – Linfield FC, Portadown FC, Ballyclare Colts and Reeds FC (India).

Group B – Dungannon United Youth, Ballinamallard United, Warrenpoint Town FC and Beijing BFA (China).

Group C – Glentoran FC, Bertie Peacock Youth, Coleraine FC and Global Premier Soccer (America)

Group D – Glenavon FC, Greenisland FC, Ballymena United and Larne FC.

*Fixtures, venues and KO times TBC