Danske Bank Schools' Cup Launch
The 2026/27 Danske Bank Schools' Cup competition launch took place at Dominican College, Fortwilliam, the reigning Danske Bank U16 Girls' Schools' Cup champions.
The Danske Bank Schools' Cup competitions are back for 2026/27
The Northern Ireland Schools' Football Association (NISFA) and headline partner Danske Bank have launched the 2026/27 Danske Bank Schools' Cup competitions at Dominican College, Fortwilliam, the reigning Danske Bank U16 Girls' Schools' Cup champions.
The launch comes as NISFA marks its 95th anniversary, having been founded in 1931, and sees a new U18 Girls' Schools' Cup join the programme. Almost 200 school teams from more than 100 schools across Northern Ireland will compete this season.
The U18 Girls' Schools' Cup was introduced as part of NISFA's renewed partnership with Danske Bank. It completes a programme that runs from U16 to U18 for both boys and girls. This season 52 girls' teams will compete across the two girls' competitions.
The competitions will be played in knockout rounds through the school year. The finals are scheduled for Danny Blanchflower Stadium in March 2027 and NISFA plan to showcase more matches than ever this season.
NISFA Chair Dr Kyle Ferguson said:
"We are delighted to launch the 2026/27 Danske Bank Schools' Cup competitions, and I want to thank Danske Bank for its outstanding and continued support of schools' football in Northern Ireland.
Danske Bank has been a committed partner to NISFA for many years. Its renewed sponsorship, has expanded this year to include the U18 Girls' Schools' Cup, demonstrating a real belief in young people and the value of school sport. It is because of that support, thousands of pupils have the chance to represent their school, develop their skills and create memories that stay with them for life.
As NISFA marks 95 years, we are proud to have Danske Bank as valued partners. We now look ahead to our centenary in 2031, by placing pupils at the centre of everything we do.
I would also like to thank the teachers, schools and volunteers whose dedication makes these competitions possible. I wish every team the very best of luck this season."
