Friday 23 Oct 2026

Sponsors boost Northern Ireland's UEFA Regions' Cup campaign

Northern Ireland's UEFA Regions' Cup campaign has received a boost thanks to the support of three sponsors: Modern Tyres, EXI-TITE and TeamFeePay.

After defeating Western Region in a two-legged play-off earlier this year, Eastern Region are set to represent Northern Ireland in the 2026/27 UEFA Regions' Cup intermediate round in Albania later this month. 

Northern Ireland junior international manager Harry McConkey has selected an 18-player squad for the tournament, which takes place from 28 October to 5 November.

The team will face regional representatives from Albania, Italy and Slovakia in Group 6, with the group winners progressing to the final tournament in summer 2027. 

The UEFA Regions' Cup provides junior and intermediate-level players from across Europe with an opportunity to experience international football. 

Players from 11 clubs across the Eastern Region will represent Northern Ireland in Albania, including clubs from the NIFL Championship, National Conference League and Northern Amateur Football League.

Ahead of the tournament, team captain Richard Gowdy and manager Harry McConkey met representatives from Modern Tyres, EXI-TITE and TeamFeePay to thank them for their support. 

Ciaran Caldwell, Regional Football Representative at TeamFeePay, said: 

"We are delighted to sponsor the UEFA Regions' Cup this year. TeamFeePay started here in Northern Ireland, and supporting grassroots football is at the heart of everything we do.

"The Regions' Cup gives players from local clubs the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland on the European stage."

Andrew Robinson, Group Managing Director of EXI-TITE Group, said: 

"As a Northern Ireland business, we believe strongly in supporting local talent and creating opportunities for players to represent their country on the international stage. 

"The dedication, teamwork and ambition shown by these players reflect the values we promote within our own business. We are proud to play a small part in their journey and wish the entire squad and management team every success."

The Irish FA thanks Modern Tyres, EXI-TITE and TeamFeePay for their support of the Northern Ireland junior international squad as they prepare to compete on the European stage.

Image caption: Pictured at the sponsors' meet and greet are (from left) Andrew Robinson (Modern Tyres), Northern Ireland junior international captain Richard Gowdy, manager Harry McConkey, Rachel Okungbowa (TeamFeePay) and Mark Brown (EXI-TITE).