Irish League legend Glenn Ferguson insists opportunity knocks for every young player competing at this year's SuperCupNI.
The major tournament - which runs from July 25-29 - returns following a three-year break due to Covid, and there will be a worldwide audience watching the action unfold in 2022.
With television and online coverage set to beam footage across several continents, and with scouts from some of the biggest clubs in the world watching on from the terraces, the SuperCupNI is a massive platform for Northern Ireland's emerging young footballers to showcase their talent. And Ferguson believes it could open the door for some young players to make the move into full-time football across the water.
Read more: Ipswich Town a late addition to this month's SuperCup NI
He said: "The SuperCupNI is a brilliant opportunity for young players, especially young players at Irish League clubs. This takes them out of their comfort zone.
"They are playing against teams they might never play against again. They are playing different styles of football.
"And they are also playing tournament football; five games in five days. That's a big demand and ask from young players.
"These players will have prepared for these games and they will be fit and ready, but they will still feel it when they train and play five days in a row, especially when they're not used to it. But it is a good opportunity for them to go and enjoy themselves and soak up the atmosphere.
"There will be big crowds watching the games which will also be something new. These things might never happen for them again so they have to go out and enjoy it and perform to the best of their abilities."
Ferguson, Linfield's head of youth, has watched several of the club's young stars earn dream moves across the water. He believes youth coaching is improving in Northern Ireland, with teenage talent from several Irish League clubs realising their football dreams.
He said: "We have been very lucky at Linfield in that we have produced players who can play at that level, and then kick on and perform at the next level above that. Many of the young lads have gone on to secure full-time careers in football across the water.
"That is great for us as a club, but it is also good for Northern Ireland football. We are not the only club producing these exciting young players.
"You have your Dungannons and your Glentorans and the rest who are producing players which is great. It shows you how much we have evolved when it comes to coaching, standards, facilities and everything else. The boys have everything going for them and their whole mindset is changing as well.
"They can see these opportunities and they want to go out and grasp it. That's why they are being driven on to the next level. And they want to succeed."
Some of the names to have graduated from the SuperCupNI into full-time football include Charlie Allen (Leeds United), Dale Taylor (Nottingham Forest), Ross McCausland and Charlie Lindsay (both Rangers). Ferguson says he has been impressed by the progress they have made since moving across the water.
"A lot of the SuperCupNI graduates featured for their counties. Charlie Allen and Dale Taylor are both playing Under 23 football over in England," Ferguson said.
"Ross McCausland has trained with Rangers' first team and playing for their Under 20 side as well. Charlie Lindsay is doing really well at Rangers as well.
"This has just been a stepping stone for these players. It has given them a foundation to go on to bigger and better things.
"They have become better players within their new clubs in England and Scotland. This has stood them in good stead and they can now stand up to the challenge of playing against better quality players.
"That can only benefit the rest of us now. All our teams and players going to the SuperCupNI, who knows what will happen.
"Who knows who will be watching their games. The TV cameras will be there alongside scouts from all over the world.
"You just never know. So it is good they go and give a good account of themselves."
READ NEXT:
- Linfield beat Bodo Glimt - how Norwegian media reacted to shock result
- 'What the hell is he doing...' - Healy's comical reaction to Millar heroics
- Kirk Millar stunner earns Blues famous win in Champions League
- Rangers teen Charlie Lindsay nets top player award at Plzen Tournament
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
