Argyle set for SuperCupNI return in July

Argyle will return to the SuperCupNI in July, this time sending an under-13 side to compete in the Minor section of the prestigious competition in Northern Ireland.  

The young Pilgrims have been drawn in a group with Northern Irish sides Coleraine and Crusaders, as well as IDA Bermuda.   

Alongside the two in Argyle’s group, six more of the 16 teams in the competition are based in Northern Ireland: Glentoran, Linfield, Cliftonville, Loughgall Youth, Glenavon and Ballymena United.   

Defending champions Celtic are back, along with two other Scottish sides, Ross County and Kilmarnock. American squads Surf Select and USSSA Select will cross the Atlantic for the tournament, with Argyle and Stevenage from England completing the line-up.  

Argyle have sent teams from various age groups to Northern Ireland for many years. Last season, a team consisting of under-14 and under-15 players came third in their section, winning four out of five matches.  

The trip, with its intense football schedule and residential setup, means budding Pilgrims can experience competitive tournament football in a new environment to take them out of their comfort zone.  

The SuperCupNI can call on an extraordinary list of superstars who have taken part in the tournament. Manchester United have been represented by the likes of Paul Scholes and Marcus Rashford; World Cup winners Sergio Busquets and Mats Hummels represented Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively; and Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney played in the tournament when in Everton’s Academy.  

Argyle first-team players Michael Cooper and Adam Randell both took part in the competition, as indeed did several members of the Argyle Academy coaching staff.  

“It is great to be heading back to Northern Ireland in July,” said Academy manager Phil Stokes. “The tournament is an annual highlight of the year and is such a great experience for our young footballers.  

“So much of what they learn while part of our set-up goes beyond the football pitch, as they learn about being part of a team, away from home, in an intense environment.  

“This group of lads will benefit greatly from the trip, which will enhance their development, as it has for so many players that have come through our Academy over the years.” 

This year’s SuperCupNI will take place from 21 to 26 July. Specific fixtures, dates and locations will be released in due course.