The Fermanagh Super Cup NI Association are ramping up their preparations for this year's SuperCup NI tournament with a series of Talent ID sessions taking place this weekend and continuing throughout March and into April.

The Premiers (U16s) will get their sessions underway this Sunday, March 10 at the Peacelink Centre, Clones from 10am.

There will be further sessions on Sunday, March 24 from 10am at the Bawnacre, Irvinestown and on Sunday, April 7 with venue and times to be confirmed.

For the Juniors (U14s) they get underway on Sunday, March 24 from 1030am and the Devenish College 4G and they are back again at the same venue and time on Thursday, March 28 and Friday, March 29.

The sessions come after the managers for the Premier and Junior squads were announced at the end of February.

Keith Douglas will continue as Premier Manager for the 2024 campaign.

This will be Douglas’ third year at the helm.

Since his appointment in 2022, Douglas has led the Premier set-up to some of its finest moments in the 31-year history of Co. Fermanagh’s participation at SuperCupNI. Lifting the second-tier Globe following a tense 1-0 victory over Co. Tyrone and securing an overall 5th-place finish two years ago was the best showing by a Fermanagh side at the competition.

Last year also saw the Premiers reach a final, before narrowly missing out to St. Kevin’s in the Vase showpiece.

“Firstly, can I say how delighted I am to be continuing as Co. Fermanagh Premier manager for a third year," said Douglas. 

"I am grateful to the Office Bearers for this opportunity. 

“There have been many positive memories and experiences both on and off the pitch over the past two seasons. The Globe success will always stand out, but the great games, the great goals, the venues, the crowd, the drama, it optimises all that is good about Fermanagh SuperCupNI, and I look forward to bringing more success to the association in 2024”.

On the upcoming Talent ID sessions for any prospective Premier players, Douglas is again keen to welcome as many eligible players as possible to the selection process and is delighted with the response so far. “There has been a fantastic response to the online registration so far, quite overwhelming to the honest. I’ve sat down with my backroom team, and we have arranged a series of sessions for any eligible players to showcase what they can offer to the Premier panel this year."

Douglas added: “I’m incredibly excited to begin another SuperCupNI campaign. This is a fantastic competition, and it is a privilege to be involved once again.

The Fermanagh Juniors will be managed by Ciaran Black for the 2024 campaign.

Black replaces the outgoing Chris McDowell, who steps away from the county post after leading our Juniors to the 2022 and 2023 editions of the famous youth tournament.

His successor Black brings a wealth of experience to the county set-up, with 10 years of experience in coaching schoolboys’ football, before leaping to senior management with a spell at Orchard Farm in the Fermanagh and Western football league.

Most recently, Black oversaw the 2010 side at Ballinamallard United Youth Academy, leading them to the runners-up position in the Championship section of the National League.

Speaking following his appointment as Co. Fermanagh supremo, the Fermanagh schoolteacher spoke of his excitement and delight at taking up the post. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me personally and one that I look forward to getting stuck into over the coming months.”

“This opportunity to be involved with and represent your county is unique in association football. And with this opportunity comes the chance to represent your county on the global stage, testing yourself against academy sides from across the UK and beyond and playing at top-class venues across the north coast”.

Black is also keen to welcome as many eligible players as possible to the selection process: “At the end of this selection process, 18 young lads will have earned the right to play at one of the biggest and most famous youth tournaments in the world.

"The prospect of playing against the stars of the future, just like our Juniors did in 2017 when they faced a young Connor Bradley, is literally on their doorstep. I’d like to encourage any interested players to sign up for attend our talent ID sessions. This will give you best possible chance of selection to the final squad."

If you are interested in registering for the Talent ID sessions visit the County Fermanagh Super Cup NI Association Facebook page for more information.