The STATSports SuperCupNI will return from its Covid-enforced hiatus with a record-breaking number of teams set to play in this summer’s tournament.
No fewer than 78 teams from across the globe will participate in five male categories and a brand new female section across five days of action.
It will be the first time the STATSports SuperCupNI, which will run from July 24 and 29, has been held in full since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Victor Leonard, chairman of the organising committee, said local football fans can look forward to the “biggest competition yet”.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted with the response and quality of entries we have received for this year’s tournament.
“This summer will have more teams than ever before, and we are introducing some new venues across the three council areas.
“We are now just over 100 days away from the first ball being kicked at the 2022 tournament and everyone involved behind the scenes is working incredibly hard to ensure this year’s tournament is one of the biggest and best in our history.
“The last two years have been incredibly challenging and we are indebted to the continuing support of Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim, and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils, STATSports, Premier League, Mitre and BBC NI.”
No tournament was held in 2020 and 2021, although three matches were organised last year between a Manchester United U16 side and underage teams from Coleraine FC, Ballymena United FC and Linfield FC.
Victor Leonard said: “The games took place at a time when restrictions were starting to be lifted and it was fantastic to be able to bring our friends from Old Trafford to Northern Ireland.
“It also provided local football fans with an opportunity to witness some of United’s next generation of stars in action against some of the very best local talent.”
This year’s event will take place from Sunday July 24 to Friday July 29, with the traditional parade and opening ceremony at the Coleraine Showgrounds on the Sunday evening.
The tournament will be staged at 17 venues across the three local Council areas of Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim and Antrim and Newtownabbey.
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