Budget Energy reaffirms commitment to youth sport with SuperCupNI title renewal

Following a historic 2025 tournament that drew record crowds, Budget Energy has returned as title sponsor for the 2026 SuperCupNi. The partnership renewal officially kicks off preparations for the 43rd edition of one of the world's most prestigious youth football competitions.

Widely acclaimed as one of the most successful tournaments in SuperCupNI history, the 2025 edition welcomed more than 60,000 spectators across 150 high-level matches, with boys’ and girls’ teams competing across five age groups at venues throughout Causeway Coast and Glens, Antrim and Newtownabbey and Mid and East Antrim.

The tournament also attracted international interest both on and off the pitch, with appearances from football icons including Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, alongside current Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill and former internationals Stuart Dallas, Corey Evans, Steve Lomas and Keith Gillespie.

Now entering its 43rd year, the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI will take place from Sunday, July 26 to Friday, July 31, welcoming a minimum of 62 Boys’ and Girls’ teams from across the globe.

The tournament will begin with an Opening Ceremony at the Coleraine Showgrounds on Sunday 26th July, setting the stage for a week of elite youth football featuring competitive fixtures, key moments and high-intensity action across multiple age groups.

The week will culminate in two showcase finals days, with the Girls’ Section Cup Finals at Dixon Park, Ballyclare on Thursday, July 30, before the Boys’ Section Cup Finals bring the competition to a close at the Coleraine Showgrounds on Friday, July 31.

Sam Gamble, Tournament Coordinator at the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said: “The continued support of Budget Energy as title sponsor is hugely important as we move into the next phase of planning for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI. Their commitment gives us the confidence and stability to plan well in advance and to deliver the tournament to the high standards that teams and players expect.

“Preparations for the 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI are already well underway, and we are looking forward to confirming a number of high-profile team announcements in the coming weeks.

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“The Budget Energy SuperCupNI is a complex, multi-venue event delivered across a number of communities, and detailed planning is progressing across operations, logistics and venues to ensure everything is in place for another outstanding edition. 

“We are extremely grateful for the commitment of our partners, host councils and volunteers, whose collaboration and dedication are central to delivering the Budget Energy SuperCupNI to the standards expected of one of the world’s leading youth football competitions.”

Budget Energy, a Flogas-owned energy provider based in Derry, supplies cost-effective electricity to more than 93,000 homes, farms and businesses across Northern Ireland.

The company has a strong record of supporting elite sport and community initiatives, including partnerships with Derry City FC and the Olympic Federation of Ireland, backing Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and supporting Northern Ireland darts star Daryl Gurney.

Sean O'Loughlin, Managing Director at Budget Energy said: “We are delighted to be entering our second year as title sponsor of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI and to continue our partnership with a tournament that has such a rich history and an outstanding international reputation.

“Our first year involved exceeded expectations. The quality of football, the standard of organisation and the passion shown by players, volunteers and supporters alike underlined exactly why the Budget Energy SuperCupNI is regarded as one of the world’s leading youth football tournaments.

“For Budget Energy, this partnership is about more than sponsorship. It is about investing in opportunity, supporting young people at a pivotal stage in their development and contributing positively to the communities in which we operate. The Budget Energy SuperCupNI provides an experience that young players simply do not get anywhere else and we are proud to help make that possible.

“With preparations well underway for the 2026 tournament, we are working closely with the organisers, volunteers and local partners to deliver another exceptional week of football that inspires young players, brings communities together and showcases Northern Ireland on an international stage.”

The 2026 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is proudly supported by headline partner Budget Energy, alongside a valued network of partners including Tourism NI, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Sterling Insurance, Creagh Concrete, Uhlsport, Clearer Water, Tesco, The Premier League, TrustFord, 247.tv and BuyTicketApp.

For more information on the Budget Energy SuperCupNI, visit www.supercupni.com