Gary Chisholm, the proud manager, lauded his County Antrim Junior players after their triumphant SuperCup NI victory, a win that saw him finally hoist the coveted trophy. The team delivered precisely the performance he had envisioned, marking the culmination of years of dedicated effort and strategic preparation. This monumental achievement not only brought immense pride to County Antrim but also solidified their place as football champions in the tournament’s rich history.
This latest success sees the young County Antrim Football squad follow in the footsteps of notable talents who previously secured the SuperCup NI title with their county before going on to earn senior international caps. Players like Trai Hume, Brodie Spencer, Dale Taylor, and Ross McCausland were part of winning teams in 2017 and 2018, underscoring the potential pathway to elite football for these rising stars from Northern Ireland Sport.
The decisive final against County Armagh culminated in a thrilling 2-1 victory for Antrim. The opening goal for the champions came courtesy of Michael Mulholland, setting a confident tone for their side. Antrim demonstrated their offensive prowess and tactical discipline throughout the intensely contested match, reflecting their dominant form shown throughout the youth football tournament.
Jordan Bradley Camlin extended Antrim’s lead, cementing their grip on the game with a well-executed finish from close range. While Alfie Davidson managed to pull one back for Armagh, creating a tense finish and giving Antrim a brief scare, the Orchard County boys were ultimately confined to the runners-up spot, suffering their first defeat of the week in the final showpiece.
Gary Chisholm reflected on the journey, stating, “Three years we have been doing this and every year we have given everything to the squad in front of us, and this year, the squad has given us what we were looking for and made Co Antrim proud.” This heartfelt statement highlights the unwavering commitment of the coaching staff and the players’ eventual success in meeting high expectations within the competitive SuperCup NI.
Beyond the Antrim triumph, the SuperCup NI witnessed several other captivating finals across different age groups and competitions. Bohemians showcased their talent by defeating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 to claim the Globe trophy, demonstrating a high level of competitive spirit and skill in a prestigious encounter within this renowned youth football tournament.
In other significant finals, Blackburn Rovers emerged victorious in the Vase Final, securing a convincing 4-1 win against County Down, while Crewe Alexandra lifted the Bowl after a dominant 4-1 performance against Charlton Athletic. These results underline the diverse talent pool and competitive nature of the entire SuperCup NI tournament, a highlight of Northern Ireland Sport.
The Minor glory at the SuperCup NI went to Cliftonville, whose rising star, named after a famous golfer, displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Their final was decided by a penalty shoot-out, an inevitable outcome given their semi-final progression also relied on spot-kicks, adding to the drama and excitement of the youth football spectacle.
Further tournament victors included Leeds United, who claimed the Globe decider with a 2-0 win over Coleraine, and Loughgall, who secured the Vase with a dominant 3-0 victory against Al Jazira Club. Ross County also celebrated success, winning the Bowl by overcoming IDA Bermuda 3-2, rounding out a memorable series of finals in the prestigious football champions competition.
