Argyle’s annual trip to the SuperCupNI is on the horizon, with the prestigious tournament starting on Monday, 27 July, in Northern Ireland.
The Greens will be heading across the Irish Sea with a squad of Under-14s and -15s, led by Dan Thompson, and have been drawn into a group alongside Chicago City, County Londonderry and Tottenham Hotspur. The results in the group stages will determine how the latter part of their week will look.
In last year’s competition, Argyle secured third place in the Bowl with an emphatic win over Chicago City, a team they will face next week.
It is an intense period, with Argyle’s young squad living in a residential setting and experiencing tournament football with decent-sized crowds, as the competition is always well supported by people in the local area.
Head Coach Thompson is excited for the week-long challenge ahead: “I’ve been the lead and involved at the SuperCup before. It's a well-run tournament, and there are a lot of good teams there, so I’m really excited to go and test myself and for the boys to do so against top opposition.
“We've played Tottenham before, and we know what they’re like, so that's going to be a big game. Chicago City are a side we played last year; they've got some really good athletic players, and may be a tougher test this season, but we don't know too much about them still. Londonderry, we don't know anything about, which adds to the excitement!
“We live the whole week like professionals, and we tell them that. It's about being together as a team and getting everything right on and off the pitch. Looking at our preparation from hydration, nutrition and sleep, to foam rolling and stretching in the mornings and after games.
“They are living the week like a professional, with video analysis and extras too, which adds to the overall excitement for the lads.”
SuperCupNI fixtures
Monday, 27 July – Chicago City, Parker Avenue, 1pm
Tuesday, 28 July – Tottenham Hotspur, Broughshane, 3pm
Wednesday, 29 July – Co. Londonderry, Riada Stadium, 3pm
