SuperCupNI Organisers Seek Council Talks Over Potential 2027 Event Clashes

Organisers of the Budget Energy SuperCupNI have requested talks with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council about potential scheduling clashes facing next year’s youth football tournament.

Tournament coordinator Sam Gamble's correspondence is due to go before the council’s Leisure and Development Committee next week.

In the letter, dated 17 September, Mr Gamble asks for an informal discussion with committee members and relevant council directors and officers to review the 2026 tournament and consider challenges for 2027.

He identifies potential clashes with the Foyle Cup and Armoy Road Races in July next year, while highlighting the council’s role in supporting the competition.

The tournament, which was founded in Coleraine in 1983, brought teams including Manchester United, Rangers, Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United to the borough this summer.

International participants also included Right to Dream, Tigres UANL and Kamimura from Japan.

According to the organisers, more than 60,000 spectators attended matches at venues including Coleraine FC, Bushmills, Parker Avenue and the Rope Walk.

Mr Gamble said every match was streamed live, reaching just under 100,000 viewers worldwide.

The letter also outlines findings from independent studies commissioned to assess the tournament’s media coverage and economic impact.

A media monitoring report recorded 373 articles promoting the council area, with an estimated advertising value equivalent of £1.3m.

A separate economic impact study put the tournament’s direct contribution to the borough at £10.6m. The organisers said council support through the Tourism Large Events Fund delivered a return of £130.58 for every £1 invested.

Mr Gamble said the new tournament management team had “ambitious plans” to maintain SuperCupNI’s position as a major tourism event in the borough and across Northern Ireland.

He also thanked the council for its support before, during and after the 2026 competition.

The correspondence seeks discussions about preparations for 2027. It does not set out a specific request for additional funding or propose a change of tournament dates.