Northern Ireland National Women’s Coach Alfie Wylie has named his squad for the UEFA Under-19 Championship which starts on Tuesday 8 August.
The squad was announced at an event at Victoria Square hosted by Electric Ireland, Official Sponsor of the UEFA Women’s Under 19 Championship 2017.
The 18-strong panel features players from across the country including three players from the Women’s Under-17 squad – goalkeeper Lauren Perry, midfielder Megan Bell and striker Emily Wilson. Wilson has been named despite being just 15. She scored one and set up another on her debut against Wales last weekend.
There are also two players born in the USA but whose family originally come from Northern Ireland – midfielder Megan Riley and Leyla McFarland, who is a striker.
Manchester City’s Brenna McPartlan and Izzy Coppell from Leicester City will bring experience of English football to the squad.
Cliftonville’s Emma McMaster has been named as captain for the tournament.
It will be the first time that Northern Ireland will play in the Championship having qualified as hosts. They play Spain at the National Football Stadium on Tuesday 8 August and Scotland at Mourneview Park in Lurgan on Friday 11 August before completing their group stage matches with a game against Germany at Ballymena Showgrounds on Monday 14 August.
Tickets for the matches can be purchased here.
Alfie Wylie said: “The players are really looking forward to the tournament and to competing against some of the world’s best teams. While it will be difficult against such top class opposition, the players are aiming to give a good account of themselves and to do the country proud. There is no doubt that the tournament experience will be invaluable for future qualifying campaigns and help the players in their aim to become professional players.
“I could not be more pleased with the effort and commitment that this remarkable group of girls have shown in recent months. The quality of the squad is testament to the great work that is being carried out through the Girls' Regional Excellence Programme and the clear pathway which now exists in Northern Ireland.
“We know that we will have huge support over the course of the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship and my hope is that our participation will help inspire young girls across Northern Ireland to play football and to one day dream of wearing the green shirt.”
Through its sponsorship of women’s football, Electric Ireland is working with the Irish Football Association to break down perceptions that exist around women’s football, celebrate female football talent and help boost participation within the women’s game through its campaign entitled Gamechangers.
Goalkeepers
Kirsty McCaughtry (Crusaders)
Lauren Perry (Linfield)
Defenders
Courtney Moore (Crusaders)
Teresa Burns (Sion Swifts)
Emma McMaster (Cliftonville) capt
Yasmin White (Glentoran)
Izzy Coppell (Leicester City)
Lauren Robson (Linfield)
Midfielders
Brenna McPartlan (Manchester City)
Megan Riley (Challenge USA)
Chloe Orr (Mid-Ulster)
Louise McDaniel (Linfield)
Abbie Magee (Linfield)
Megan Bell (Linfield)
Forwards
Emily Wilson (Crusaders)
Rebecca Bassett (Mid-Ulster)
Leyla McFarland (USA)
Morganne Beggs (Crusaders)
