Hammers kids to face local talent in SuperCup

ONE of England’s most prestigious academies will take on some of Northern Ireland’s best in the Minor U13 section at the 2018 SuperCup NI.

Premier League side West Ham United have been pitted against hometown sides Coleraine FC, Dungannon Swifts and Portadown FC. Group B will see tournament newcomers Reeds FC from India face local sides Bertie Peacock Youths, Ballinamallard United and Greenisland FC.

There is a Belfast ‘Big Two’ derby in Group C as Linfield and Glentoran are pitted against each other, with Glenavon FC and SPL Academy side St Johnstone completing the group.

The Minor U13 section draw took place at the University of Ulster in Coleraine last night, which will play host to all of the games except the final which will take place on Friday, July 27 at the Coleraine Showgrounds.

The Hammers will return to the tournament for the first time since 2000 and their manager David Moyes will be delighted to see the club represented once again at the event, which is close to his heart.

Moyes’ mother was born and raised on the North Coast and he regularly sent Everton sides to the competition when he was in charge and also officially launched the 30th anniversary tournament back in 2012.

The Minor games will start on Monday, July 23 and conclude on Friday, July 27. Game on: Greenisland captain Jack Patterson with team-mate Reece Black and manager Niall McGovern who are set to face some of India’s top young footballers at the 2018 SuperCup NI