BBCWayne Rooney has visited Northern Ireland to support his son, Kai, who is competing in the Budget Energy Super Cup NI.
The former Manchester United and England striker, who played in the tournament himself in 2000 as a member of Everton’s Under-14 side – when it was known as the Milk Cup – was in the stands at the Coleraine Showgrounds on Tuesday.
Rooney, along with fellow Manchester United legend Michael Carrick, whose son Jacey is also in the squad, came to watch the Young Red Devils face off against Rangers in a high-profile Boys’ Premier fixture.
Speaking to BBC News NI, Rooney said he was delighted to be in Coleraine to watch his son play.
He said he has fond memories of the tournament in his younger days, particularly the disco held afterwards for the players.
“It’s a long time ago since I was here but it does bring back great memories,” he said.
“The Super Cup, like many other tournaments, is a fantastic place to go away as a young person.
“You’re away with your teammates in a hotel together and it’s great for team building.”
He said his son, Kai, handles the pressure of having the name “Rooney” on the back of his United shirt incredibly well, and takes everything in his stride as a 15-year-old player looking to improve every single day.
“He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand off approach.
“I speak to him, but for me it’s all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it – that’s the main thing for me.”
The Super Cup, renowned for showcasing young footballing talent, officially opened on Sunday with a parade involving teams from across the world.
This year’s event brings together 1,200 players from 62 elite boys’ and girls’ teams, including top clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United, Rangers and Celtic.
Teams from Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and Japan will also join local sides in competing in more than 150 matches across five age groups throughout the week.
The tournament was officially opened by former Northern Ireland defender and current NI U19 coach Gareth McAuley.
McAuley, a commanding centre-back in his playing days, competed in the tournament in 1994, representing the Dundonald Junior League in the boys’ junior section.
