Crusaders U14s took flight to Dubai today (Tuesday 8th April) to represent Northern Ireland in the globally acclaimed Mina Cup, following their victory in the 2024 Budget Energy SuperCupNI Boys' Minor Section.
The north Belfast club is set to make history as the first-ever Budget Energy SuperCupNI champions to venture to the Middle East, thanks to a pioneering partnership between two of the world's premier youth football tournaments.
This international collaboration will allow winning teams from each tournament to participate in the other, fostering global connections and creating development opportunities for young players, both on and off the field.
The partnership has already borne fruit, with Barca Academy Dubai becoming the first Middle Eastern team to compete at Budget Energy SuperCupNI in 2024. This connection will be maintained in 2025 when Fursan Hispania participates in the Boys' Minor Section.
Crusaders secured their passage to Dubai by triumphing in the 2024 Budget Energy SuperCupNI Boys' Minor Section, overcoming formidable opponents such as Plymouth Argyle and Celtic before beating local rivals Linfield in an electrifying all-Belfast final at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
The tournament commences on Wednesday 9th April, and the draw has placed Crusaders U14s in a challenging group alongside LaLiga Academy Dubai, Manchester City Football School UAE, and Saudi Arabian team Al Qadsiah.
Lee Finlay, Coach of Crusaders U14s, said: "Winning the Budget Energy SuperCupNI was a special moment for our boys and for the club, but to now be heading out to Dubai to compete in the Mina Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. These young players will proudly represent Crusaders, the Budget Energy SuperCupNI and Northern Ireland on a global stage, going up against some of the best youth sides in the world.
"It's an incredibly proud moment, not just for the kids, but for their families, the coaches and everyone connected with Crusaders. The boys have been absolutely buzzing since we got the news and they'll be heading out there ready to compete and do everyone proud.
"But it's not just about football. This is also a chance to experience a new culture, create lifelong memories with their teammates and grow as young people as well as players. Opportunities like this don't come around often and we're determined to make the most of it."
The Budget Energy SuperCupNI's partnership with the Mina Cup brings together two world-class youth football tournaments - opening up opportunities for cultural exchange, elite player development and international exposure.
It also underlines the Budget Energy SuperCupNI's commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent and providing a world-class platform for young players to shine on the international stage.
Victor Leonard, Chairperson of Budget Energy SuperCupNI, said: "Our partnership with the Mina Cup is a major step forward in the growth of the SuperCupNI. It brings together two World-class youth tournaments are set to provide exceptional young players with life-changing opportunities, both on and off the pitch.
"The Mina Cup was established by Chris Brown, a tournament graduate who proudly represented Crewe Alexandra in 1996. Inspired by his experience in Northern Ireland, he aimed to replicate the tournament's quality, professionalism and global spirit in the Middle East.
"We're incredibly proud to see a local club represent not just themselves, but the Budget Energy SuperCupNI and Northern Ireland on the international stage. We wish Crusaders U14s every success as they fly the flag in Dubai."
Now in its 42nd year, the Budget Energy SuperCupNI is recognised as one of the world's most prestigious youth football tournaments.
The 2025 edition will kick off from Sunday 27th July to Friday 1st August, featuring 66 elite Boys' and Girls' teams from across the globe with more than 1,200 young players competing in over 150 matches across five age groups.
Matches will be held at venues across the Causeway Coast and Glens, Antrim and Newtownabbey, and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council areas, with the Boys' Finals taking place at Coleraine Showgrounds and the Girls' Finals hosted at Dixon Park, Ballyclare.
Siobhan McGuigan, Head of Events at Tourism Northern Ireland, expressed her support: "We are proud to support Budget Energy SuperCupNI once again this year, a tournament which consistently brings teams and visitors from around the world to Northern Ireland to compete.
"We are proud to support Budget Energy SuperCupNI once again this year, a tournament which consistently brings teams and visitors from around the world to Northern Ireland to compete and experience everything our region has to offer.
"This new partnership with the Mina Cup aligns is a great opportunity to build meaningful relationships with key global markets. We look forward to providing a giant welcome to the teams and their supporters to the region this summer."
The 2025 Budget Energy SuperCupNI is proudly supported by headline partner Budget Energy, alongside a strong line-up of valued partners including Tourism NI, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Sterling Insurance, Uhlsport, Clearer Water, Tesco, The Premier League, TrustFord, 247.tv and BuyTicketApp.
For more information on the Budget Energy SuperCupNI visit www.supercupni.com.
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