RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesRachael and Daisy took on Surf Select for Crusaders [BBC]
"Tough", "stronger" and "fitter" are probably not the words most footballers want to hear to describe their opposition.
For players from girls' teams in Northern Ireland, however, the standard of overseas opposition at the Girls' Super Cup NI is only a positive.
Now in its fifth season, the growing prestige and importance of the event has been highlighted by Liverpool making their debut this year.
The girls and their coaches say taking on big sides, including teams from countries such as the United States and Norway, is one of the best ways to improve and develop.
Games take place across Antrim and Newtownabbey council area, meaning sides like Manchester United and Chicago city are competing alongside the likes of Linfield, Glentoran and Crusaders on local pitches from Monkstown to Chimney Corner.
On Wednesday at The Diamond in Rathcoole, Crusaders took on American opponents Surf Select and went down to a 5-1 defeat.
But it was not a negative experience for the players involved.
Crusaders player Kelly, from Limavady, said a tough challenge also meant there was lots to learn.
"They're a lot stronger, quicker, fitter. It's just harder," she said.
"It's great for development, it's an elite competition so the competition is going to be good."
Erin from Lisburn also relished the challenge of foreign opposition.
"We learn loads of stuff by playing against American teams," she said.
"It just helps us develop as players."
Sarah and Kelly enjoyed the challenge of taking on American sides [BBC]
"They're quick and strong, just running with them they'll outpace you," her teammate Daisy, from east Belfast, said.
Rachael from the west of the city agreed. "They're very fast and athletic," she said.
Heather Mearns coaches the Crusaders team [BBC]
The girls' tournament - which is the counterpart of the long-running boys' event - started in 2022 with just six teams but now boasts 16 sides and this year's event saw English giants Liverpool take part for the first time.
Like the boys' event, the girls' tournament is now an established part of the calendar for many academy sides.
Crusaders coach Heather Mearns said it was a unique opportunity for teams to welcome top opposition from abroad and play them in their local communities.
"It's great because Northern Ireland's really small, it always feels like you're playing the same teams over and over again, the Super Cup's great because the girls all get to play teams that aren't from here," she said.
She added that the level of opposition and the growth of the tournament was only going to drive girls in Northern Ireland on.
"I don't think it's the most physical type of football over here, you have to play against the boys to get that kind of physicality, but when you play teams from down south or the Americans, they're all really athletic and really physical," she said.
"It shows our girls the levels in the other countries...it gives them something to aspire to."
The Diamond in Rathcoole is one of the venues for girls' matches [BBC]
One of the eye-catching fixtures on Wednesday, played in Monkstown not long after the Crusaders game finished, was Liverpool against Norwegian side IL Heming.
While Manchester United have been involved in the Super Cup in previous years, this was the debut tournament for their rivals.
Despite taking the lead, Liverpool went down 3-1 against their opponents from Oslo.
Reds coach Zoey Shaw was full of praise for the Super Cup and the opportunities it gave her players.
"It's so welcoming to be here, all of the locals coming out to watch," she said.
"It's creating lots of different challenges for us, coming up against different opposition than normal.
"We're sharing a hotel with one of the American teams and the girls had a massive quiz night along with them," she said adding that it was good to connect with other countries off the pitch.
"Girls football is growing at a really good rate. It's still got a way to go, but to come to venues like this today and Ballyclare yesterday and see the crowds that come in, 700-plus coming to an under-16s game, they're the moments that I think all young girls want."
Alison Bennington is a former Northern Ireland international [BBC]
The Liverpool game was watched by a healthy crowd including Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor Henry Cushinan and Deputy Mayor Alison Bennington.
Bennington is a former Northern Ireland international, with 24 caps for the women's side after making her debut in 1973.
"If Liverpool are coming here, if Manchester United are coming here, it's a big competition," she said.
"Fair play to the guys and the girls who have organised behind the scenes, bringing those teams here.
"It's taken a long time in Northern Ireland for football to develop, from how I played way back in the 70s, but how it's coming on now is absolutely fantastic.
"The young ones, and I see the young kiddies here watching the matches, taking part, wanting to be ball girls and how they're developing and they're the senior players playing, I'm very emotional about it."
Cushinan said the tournament had lots of benefits for the local area as well as for the teams taking part.
"It's great for the area to bring international guests in, it's a great benefit for hotels and local businesses.
"If people come and visit here for football they'll maybe come back and visit us again," he said.
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