The Girls' Super Cup NI tournament has expanded to 16 teams in its fifth season, with English club Liverpool making its debut. Matches are being played across the Antrim and Newtownabbey council area, with local sides such as Linfield, Glentoran and Crusaders hosting teams from the United States and Norway.

Crusaders faced American team Surf Select at The Diamond in Rathcoole on Wednesday, losing 5-1. Crusaders player Kelly from Limavady said the opponents were stronger, quicker and fitter, describing the competition as elite and beneficial for development. Teammate Erin from Lisburn added that playing American teams taught players new aspects of the game.

Crusaders coach Heather Mearns said the tournament gave Northern Ireland players exposure to more physical and athletic opponents, which she felt would raise aspirations. She noted that domestic football is less physical and that facing sides from abroad shows a higher standard.

Liverpool's first match ended in a 3-1 defeat against Oslo side IL Heming in Monkstown. Reds coach Zoey Shaw described the welcome from locals as warm and said the event created different challenges by providing opposition her side would not normally meet. She highlighted that her squad had shared a hotel with an American team and took part in a quiz night, fostering off-pitch connections.

Former Northern Ireland international Alison Bennington, who earned 24 caps after her 1973 debut and is now deputy mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said the presence of clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United underlined the tournament's importance. She praised organisers and said the growth in girls' football since the 1970s was emotional to witness.

Mayor Henry Cushinan pointed to the benefits for local businesses and hotels, adding that visiting families might return as tourists.

Crusaders players Daisy from east Belfast and Rachael from the west of the city also remarked on the athleticism and pace of the American opponents, saying it was a learning experience. The event is now a fixture in academy calendars, having grown from six sides in its inaugural year in 2022.