The Magpies have won the competition - formerly the Milk Cup - twice, in 1985 and 1989, and were runners-up in 2012 with a side including Rolando Aarons, Adam Armstrong, Jamie Sterry, Freddie Woodman, Lubo Satka and Adam Campbell.

And United will again compete against talented young sides from all over the world when the event begins in Coleraine on Sunday, 23rd July with its traditional welcome ceremony at the Showgrounds after competing teams have paraded through the town centre.

Newcastle will face local side Co. Antrim on Monday, 24th July before taking on Beijing Morning Star United of China the following day and Komazawa Uni FC from Japan on Wednesday, 26th July.

Finals night is Friday, July 28th, at Ballymena Showgrounds.

Tournament chairman Victor Leonard said: "It is fantastic to see the club continue to join us. We have established a strong relationship with St. James' Park down the years.

"We have a strong entry from across the globe this year. Our event has always prided itself on quality, not quantity, and we wouldn't have it any other way."