It's a home gig for Jimmy as he returns to kick off SuperCupNI

World famous Coleraine actor Jimmy Nesbitt is literally coming home to open the SuperCupNI international youth football tournament.
James Nesbitt has a big date at the Coleraine Showgrounds later this month. PACEMAKER BELFASTJames Nesbitt has a big date at the Coleraine Showgrounds later this month. PACEMAKER BELFAST
James Nesbitt has a big date at the Coleraine Showgrounds later this month. PACEMAKER BELFAST

The star of popular dramas such as “The Secret,” “Cold Feet” and “Lucky Man,” never forgets his roots and for the organisers of the SuperCupNI, he is the ideal choice to open the 2016 tournament later this month.

Jimmy’s family moved to Coleraine from Broughshane when he was at primary school and he remembers how his father, also James, taking him to Ballycastle Road to watch the local team play.

Jimmy still takes in matches with his father when his hectic schedule permits and remains a generous financial backer of his local club. His other football passions are well documented – Manchester United and Northern Ireland.

Jimmy, Chancellor of the Ulster University, admires what Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, a graduate of the SuperCupNI, has achieved during his time in charge of the national side, describing it as “astonishing”.

“There was a feel-good factor at home with Northern Ireland going through to Euro 2016 and progressing out of the group stage was monumental.

“Michael is someone who brings people together and that is something that will be reflected in the level of support this year and the sense of community and brotherhood that there was in France where the team excelled and our fans too.”

Victor Leonard, chairman of the tournament, says: “Jimmy is probably the most enthusiastic football fan you could ever meet. His passion for the game is infectious.

“I know he will be warmly welcomed in his home town when we stage the welcome parade through the streets from the Diamond to the ground.”

The event is on Sunday, July 24, from 7pm.

Before that, an Under-21 event will kick off the SuperCupNI on Thursday July 21, with two semi-finals. Celtic tackle Real Sociedad at Ballymena Showgrounds while Everton meet Espanyol at Coleraine the same evening.Both games start at 7.30pm.

The two losers will feature in a 3rd/4th place play-off at Ballymena Showgrounds on Saturday July 23 (2.30pm) , which will be followed by the final (5pm).

In addition to the SuperCupNI website, the following outlets will be selling tickets for the Under-21 games at Coleraine and Ballymena Showgrounds: Coleraine Leisure Centre, Railway Road; Ballymoney Tourist Information Centre, Townhead Street; Huey & Henderson, Market Street, Limavady; Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Trostan Avenue, Ballymena; Portrush Tourist Information Centre, Portrush Town Hall; McIntyres, Promenade, POrtstewart: Sportique, Broad Street, Magherafelt; S.S. Moore Sports, Chichester Street, Belfast.

Programmes for this year’s competition will also be on sale this week.

SuperCupNI is supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Tourism NI, Mitre, BBC Sport NI and The Sun.