SUPERCUPNI 2018

VETERAN broadcaster Jackie Fullerton can remember the very first Supercupni.

When it first kicked off in 1983, the inaugural tournament was regarded as an experiment with just 16 teams competing for what was then known as the Milk Cup.

It was a tentative step into the unknown for an organising committee that included Jim Weir and Victor Leonard, but it was enough to stoke interest in an event which has matured into one of the best youth tournaments in the world.

“I have been involved from the very beginning, dating right back to about 1981,” Jackie recalls.

“Jim Weir, who was one of the founders, was a big name in youth football back then, and he came to see me at UTV to talk about this idea of a youth football tournament.

“He was keen to get live coverage of the tournament, and that’s where my involvement really started.”

The inaugural Supercupni saw Motherwell prevail, the Scottish club outclassing a homegrown Coleraine team 5-0 in the final.

“Coleraine were managed by Victor Hunter, whose son Barry was playing in the team. I think it finished in a 5-0 win for Motherwell who were a very good team that year,” Jackie (circled) added.

“That was the tournament up and running, and it has been an incredible success story every since.”

Like many associated with the Supercupni during its infancy, Jackie admits he never imagined it would grow into the world renowned tournament it is today.

“Seeing how the Supercupni has grown over the years. I don’t think the organisers would have foreseen the way it has developed into one of the finest youth competitions around,” he added.

“When I commentated that first year back in 1983, I never thought it would turn into the global attraction it is now, with over 50 teams from all over the world coming to Northern Ireland.

“I always give huge credit to Victor Leonard who has been chairman since day one, and also to people like Jim Weir who is a founder member and Jim Sandford who joined the team a few years later.

“People forget that they are all volunteers and give up so much time and effort to make the Supercupni the success it is.

“And to be fair the Northern Ireland public have taken the tournament to their hearts.”

Jackie added: “A lot of credit must also go to the late great Bertie Peacock. His expertise and guidance really helped sell the tournament to the big clubs.

“Bertie helped get Manchester United to come over. He visited Sir Alex Ferguson and it didn’t take much to convince Fergie.

“Sir Alex loved Bertie, he idolised him as a footballer and a person. Any time I spoke to Alex or did a chat show with him, you could feel the warmth and affection when he spoke about Bertie Peacock.

“Manchester United coming to the Supercupni really raised the bar for the tournament. That helped attract other top clubs to come over, such as Chelsea, Newcastle United and others.

“And the proof of the tournament’s success is that these clubs keep coming over, even to this day. We are going into the 36th year of the Supercupni and these top clubs are here.”

One of the highlights of the Supecupni for Jackie continues to be the Sunday parade, when crowds gather to welcome the players and officials to the Coleraine Showgrounds.

It is a popular curtain-raiser ahead of a week of top-class youth football on the North Coast.

“Whoever came up with the idea of the Sunday parade through Coleraine deserves immense credit,” Jackie said.

“The crowds are always three or four deep and the players feel like giants. They are treated like international stars, and many have gone on to have incredible careers. They never forget the Supercupni.

“I remember interviewing Brendan Rodgers when he was coaching at Chelsea, and I saw Joe Cole out training on his own. He was injured at the time.

“I asked Brendan would it be okay to ask Joe a couple of questions about the Supercupni.

“When I mentioned the tournament to Joe his eyes just lit up. He was like a kid again. One of the main things he remembered was the parade, and how that made the young players feel. He also remembered Barry’s Amusements and getting fish and chips. He absolutely loved the whole experience, and he went on to have a great career.”

As the Supercupni enters its 36th year, Jackie hopes the hard work and endeavour of the tournament’s volunteers continues to be rewarded.

“The Supercupni continues to grow from strength to strength, even after having to rebrand the tournament from the Milk Cup. The Dairy Council deserve a lot of praise for the investment they made over the years,” he added.

“Now we have the Supercupni and people recognise the name and brand now.

“The fans continue to turn up to watch the teams play, hoping to spot a Manchester United or Rangers star of the future. We also have the county teams doing so well and tasting success.

“I can only see it continuing to grow.”