The tournament is one of the most prestigious youth football competitions in Europe and in 2019, the competition delivered £4.4 million to the Northern Irish economy.
Colin Neill’s comments follow on from the recent news that the 2019 competition provided a valuable financial contribution the local economy. Mr Neill said the competition positively impacts so many facets of the local economy.
“The STATSports SuperCupNI is an integral part of our tourism economy and the benefits created through the high number of bednights and associated spend by thousands of visitors will be vital to the hospitality sector as we move forward in our recovery process.
“Obviously, the competition has been a key part of the Northern Irish sporting calendar for generations but is has also been part of the hospitality calendar for that same period of time.”
Despite the economic blow from the cancellation of the 2020 competition, the organising committee have already agreed upon an expansion of the competition, with four age groups competing at the weeklong football festival in July 2021. This will inevitably bring with it increased financial windfall for the local economy.
“The benefit the competition has brought to our bars, restaurants and hotels has been huge, “added the Hospitality Ulster Chief Executive.
“Its footprint stretches far beyond our bars and hotel but into our suppliers and the agriculture scene. Often people see events like the STATSports SuperCupNI as a ‘sports event’ but forget the wider impact and economic value of the tournament. It creates jobs and supports jobs right across the local economy.”
Plans are already well underway for the 2021 tournament, which takes place between 25th July to 30th July and Mr Neill concluded by saying it is crucial financial support is given to the competition.
“It is really important that our political powers like our MLAs and MPs step in behind these events and make sure they are financially sustained until such times as to when they can take place again.”
Last summer, aspiring young footballers from Africa, Asia, North and South America, as well as teams from across Europe descended upon the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area and Causeway, Coast and Glens Borough Council for a week-long festival of football.
Despite the obvious disappointment of the cancellation of the 2020 tournament due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the competition’s organisers can revel in the impact the 2019 event had on the local economy.
“Our Tournament is first and foremost a football event but over the years it has become an important feature in the Northern Ireland Events Calendar and provides a major boost to the economic life of not only the Tournament area but the whole of Northern Ireland.”
The tournament not only attracts teams from across the world, but also visitors including family members of tournament participants, football talent scouts and holiday makers eager to immerse themselves in a week of high-quality youth football.
In 2019, the footfall of spectators at the 13 venues reached in excess of 50,000. The local economy benefitted immensely from the increase in footfall across the two council areas and between visitors and participants in the competition, the tournament directly contributed to 27,000 bed nights over the duration of the Tournament.
This directly generated £1.8 million for local accommodation providers and Marketing Director for the McKeever Hotel Group, Bridgene Keeley, said the tournament plays an important role in the local tourism industry. Their group hosted teams at three hotels, the Adair Arms, the Dunsilly Hotel and the Dunadry Hotel last summer.
Ms Keeley commented, “The Adair Arms enjoyed 100% occupancy for the duration of the tournament since it began. This holds jobs and often leads to an increase of employee numbers over this time.
“The increase in productivity also requires an increase in the amount of produce purchased from our suppliers of which the majority are local companies. These companies supply everything from food, beverage, laundry, cleaning products, entertainment and transport to name a few.
“Overall, the event has a major impact both economically and is a promotional tool for NI regions which is of tremendous value.”
The 2021 STATSports SuperCupNI will take place from Monday, July 26th through to Friday, July 30th, with the traditional parade of teams and welcome ceremony at the Coleraine Showgrounds to take place on Sunday, July 25.
Victor Leonard, Chairman of Organising Committee, pictured with Bridgene Keeley, McKeever Hotel Group and Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster.
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