The local girls preparing to take on Liverpool and Manchester United
Young female footballers in Northern Ireland are gaining valuable experience by competing against elite international teams at the Girls' Super Cup NI. Players and coaches view the challenge of playing against stronger, faster overseas sides as a crucial development opportunity.
Why it matters
The growth of this tournament highlights the increasing investment and professionalization of girls' youth football in the region.
Image caption, Rachael and Daisy took on Surf Select for Crusaders
"Tough", "stronger" and "fitter" are probably not the words most footballers want to hear to describe their opposition.
For players from girls' teams in Northern Ireland, however, the standard of overseas opposition at the Girls' Super Cup NI is only a positive.
Now in its fifth season, the growing prestige and importance of the event has been highlighted by Liverpool making their debut this year.
The girls and their coaches say taking on big sides, including teams from countries such as the United States and Norway, is one of the best ways to improve and develop.
Games take place across Antrim and Newtownabbey council area, meaning sides like Manchester United and Chicago City are competing alongside the likes of Linfield, Glentoran and Crusaders on local pitches from Monkstown to Chimney Corner.
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