The 2024 SuperCupNI returns, celebrating its 41st year, with the action-packed week of football getting underway today until Finals Day on Friday with over 60 elite girls’ and boys’ teams from around the world taking part in the week-long tournament across five age groups.
The competition was ushered in with a traditional parade and opening ceremony last night in Coleraine at 7pm by Northern Ireland and Leeds United legend, Stuart Dallas, who also had a memorable history in this tournament.
Two other SuperCupNI alumni, who once shared a pitch as players, will return to the stage as managers this year.
Both Daragh Peden and Shane Boyle first met in 1996, when Peden, playing for Co Armagh, faced against Boyle’s Cherry Orchard, in a tournament which hosted Borussia Dortmund and an NI international team featuring Warren Feeney and Gary Hamilton.
Former Loughall and Glenavon defender, Daragh Peden, will manage Armagh’s Junior team in Group B of this year’s tournament, raising the possibility of face former on-field opponent Boyle, who will take charge of Dublin-based St Francis.
Commenting on the opportunity to potentially meet his former opponent, Peden said: “It would be great to meet Shane throughout the week, say hello and share some stories. It’s maybe a full circle moment for us both. It’s fantastic to get an opportunity to participate again.”
Former Loughall and Glenavon defender, Daragh Peden, will manage Armagh’s Junior team in Group B of the tournament.
Peden reminisced about the high quality teams he had the opportunity of facing.
“We played Borussia Dortmund at Anderson Park and drew 2-2 on the Wednesday morning, and then played and beat Feyenoord 2-1 in a quarter final that evening.”
“As a kid I loved football and knew the history and size of those clubs. I can remember walking out and seeing the famous Dortmund yellow and black top. It made you realise what an elite competition the SuperCup is.”
He added: “I travelled up for many years as a young boy with my Dad, (Jim Peden) who refereed at the competition for many years.”
“I have always really enjoyed watching the various Armagh teams over the years as well so when an opportunity to coach and now manage the team came along I was honoured in all honesty.”
The Armagh manager experienced great success as a player, captaining Loughall to the Irish League First Division title in the 2007/08 season. He credited SuperCupNI’s influence on his success.
“I signed for Loughgall at 19 and I’ve no doubt the SuperCup helped establish and develop me. Hopefully some of the current Armagh boys will push on and develop into top players in the future at various levels.”
This year’s Boys’ tournament will feature top teams such as Manchester United, Brighton and Hove Albion, and West Ham United from the English Premiership; Celtic and Rangers from the Scottish Premiership; and continental teams like Club Deportivo Toluca from Mexico.
Peden relishes the opportunity for his Junior team to make an impression against these high-level clubs.
“The tournament is elite and attracts the very best clubs. I had to privilege of playing alongside Aaron Hughes.”
“He was exceptional, and it’s amazing to be able to say I played alongside him for a few games at SuperCup. The opportunity is there for youth players based on all the success stories of player development from previous years.”
Peden’s Junior squad will face difficult challenges as they compete against both Celtic and Charlton in their group stage, and compete against Down in their first matchday.
“What an experience it will be to play against Celtic and Charlton in the group. For me it’s what the SuperCup is all about. The chance to pitch yourself against the best players from across the water.”
“Co Down on day one is another super game for us. A local derby to start the week - we know it will be another really tough game, but we will go and give it our best shot.”
Shane Boyle also spoke on the longevity of the competition and a chance of encountering Peden again.
“To think 28 years later the competition is going as strong as ever and the chances of myself could be facing off against Daragh, who was also there when I was, is a credit to the tournament organisers.”
“To keep the tournament going all these years later and still be attracting the top teams is unbelievable.”
Boyle shared his excitement to be involved in the esteemed competition again and his determination to have St Francis involved.
“Once we got the invite we jumped on it straight away, I knew how big and elite this tournament is, and will be an experience these kids will never forget.”
“These are professional teams so it will wbe a great experience for our team to be in and around these teams. For them to see first hand how they prepare for games and how they play on the pitch will only benefit them.”
St Francis will confront fierce opposition as they compete against last years Junior section winners, West Ham, and Stevenage in Group D. They play Londonderry in their opening game today.
Asked about his thoughts on the impact the event may have locally, Boyle added: “We have a lot of parents who will be attending the games with friends and family, so they will all be staying up there which is great for the local communities to welcome them.”
This year’s girls’ tournament will also feature an impressive line up including Women’s FA Cup winners Manchester United’s U16 Academy, alongside fellow Premier League sides Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Northern Ireland international side.
The group stages and knockout rounds will be held at venues across Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
This Finals Day for the Boys’ Premier, Junior, and Minor sections will take place at the Coleraine Showgrounds, with the Finals Day for the Girls’ Premier and Junior sections taking place at Ballyclare Comrades’ new 3G pitch at Dixon Park.
For more information visit: www.supercupni.com