This year’s Budget Energy SuperCupNI has been something of a trip down memory lane for one Coleraine teacher.

Growing up in Limavady, the Budget Energy SuperCupNI played a big part in the teenage years of Ruairi McClean.

The former Institute midfielder played in the tournament three times for Co Londonderry and Northern Ireland, featuring alongside future internationals Steven Davis, Chris Brunt, Sammy Clingan and Michael McGovern.

"I was fortunate enough as a player to play in it three times, so it was lovely to be in a position now to come back and try to help the county players this year have a good experience," said McClean, who is Assistant Manager with the Co Londonderry Premier squad.

Ruairi McClean during his playing career.

placeholder image — Ruairi McClean during his playing career.

"Walking through the streets of Coleraine and into The Showgrounds during the parade took me back all those years to when I was a player.

"You can see the pride in the family members as their sons and daughters are walking by. It takes me back. It hasn't changed much and it's just a lovely event. I know it's an event that the people in this area are extremely proud of.

"It's unbelievable when you see the calibre of teams here consistently, year in, year out, and it shows the appeal of the tournament. You've got teams from every continent across the world coming to enjoy it, which is brilliant.”

Co Londonderry created history in 2023 when they became the first county side to win the Premier section, and McClean praised the local teams for the hard work they have put in over recent years to regularly compete with some of the world's leading academies.

"It's my first experience of it this year and I've been blown away by the time and effort put in at committee level and by the coaching staff," he said.

"Things are done properly right from the first trial through to trying to get the strongest squad possible, and I think it's reflected now in the performances of the county teams in the tournament.

"Chris Brunt said he still remembers the tournament despite playing at the highest level of the game, and that's what it's all about."

McClean has already enjoyed success coaching at youth level, leading Millburn Primary School in Coleraine, where he is Vice-Principal, to four trophies this year - the Doherty Cup, the Mullan Cup, the NI Cup and the Causeway Sports Cup.

And he knows that if he ever needs advice along the way, he can always call on good friend Ruaidhri Higgins, manager of Coleraine FC.

"We talk regularly and I bounce things off him from time to time," said McClean.

"He's my best friend and, when we do have our conversations, I try not to make it all about football because I know how intense the job he's in is. But if I ever need advice, I know he's on the end of the phone.

"I really enjoy coaching. Obviously, I've experienced great success with the school team in recent years. I love working with young players and trying to help them fulfil their potential, and it's something that really interests me.”