LISTEN: Coronavirus forces Super Cup NI to cancel for first time in almost 40 years

By Q Radio News

The Super Cup NI youth football tournament has been cancelled for the first time in 38 years as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. 

The competition, formerly known as the Milk Cup, was due to kick off on August 2 but organisers decided not to go proceed after considering expert advice on health and safety issues.

Tournament chairman Victor Leonard described the the move as "heart-breaking" but accepted it was the "only outcome".

“We left it as long as possible but with the ongoing uncertainty over the road map ahead for sport in general during the current situation globally, we knew the 2020 event would not be feasible,” he said.

“The current advice going forward remains the same as far as sporting activities are concerned.

“All our stakeholders were involved in weighing up the situation and they, along with our vast team of volunteers, are disappointed at losing the event this year.

“They all put so much effort into ensuring the tournament runs smoothly and we are indebted to them for their commitment, many have been involved over decades.”

The annual tournament, which was set to be held in Northern Ireland over the first week in August, involves youth teams from the Premier League, La Liga, Scotland, Africa, the USA as well as local outfits.

Leonard said the entire world of sport has "ground to a halt" because of the virus as he said officials were holding out hope that the sitaution might have improved. 

“This is the only outcome for us at this time even though it is hard on so many people," he added. 

“We are all proud of what we have achieved since our first event in 1983. We have grown steadily, sometimes against the odds, to become a key part of Northern Ireland’s event tourism schedule.

“We have a worldwide reputation for excellence which has been built up through dedication and hard work down the years.

“I know there are many disappointed young footballers from around the world who had been pinning their hopes on joining us this summer and our own local footballers were looking forward to pitting their skills against these players from different countries but their safety and that of our supporters and tournament staff is paramount at all times.

”I can assure everyone that we are already examining ways to enhance the competition going forward towards 2021.

“We plan to be active over the summer months on our various social media platforms to continue to reflect and celebrate memories of our world class tournament.”