A team of volunteers who helped the Irish Football Association host U19 Euro 2024 have been applauded for their efforts.
More than 50 volunteers attended a celebration event at Seaview Stadium in north Belfast, one of three venues used during the UEFA tournament, which ran from 15 to 28 July.
Group stage games in the eight-team tournament were played at Seaview and Larne’s Inver Park, while the semi-finals and final were staged at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast.
The dinner/evening celebration at Seaview acknowledged the significant contribution of volunteers who helped deliver a record-breaking event with higher-than-expected attendance and strong community engagement.
Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their hard work, dedication and support, emphasising the critical role they played in the success of the tournament, which attracted 29,000 spectators overall.
He pointed out: “The Men’s Under-19 Euro final tournament provided a great opportunity for Irish FA staff and volunteers to demonstrate their professionalism as well as showcasing Northern Ireland.”
A relaxed setting at Seaview allowed volunteers to connect and share their experiences from U19 Euro 2024. The evening featured music, a fun quiz and spot prizes.
Those in attendance also looked forward to the Irish FA hosting the UEFA WU17 European Championship in May 2026.
In the Men’s U19 tournament back in the summer Gareth McAuley’s Northern Ireland U19 side faced Ukraine, Italy and Norway in Group A, while Group B featured Spain, France, Denmark and Turkiye.
Spain defeated France 2-0 in the final at the National Football Stadium. The game attracted 8,358 spectators.
