NI U18 Centenary Shield trials get under way as young players urged to sign up

Photo showing Centenary Shield squad
-Credit: (Image: Jonathan Porter/PressEye)


From Trai Hume to Paul Smyth, the Northern Ireland Under 18 Centenary Shield squad has produced some international stars in the past.

And now young players are being urged to sign up to a series of trials as the young team prepares for next year's competition.

Northern Ireland will play international matches against Australia in January, Jersey in February and Shield games against England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic Of Ireland in March and April.

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The NI U18 Centenary Shield trials are taking place at five venues over the next three weeks. They started today (September 29) and will also run on October 6 and 13.

The Centenary Shield is unique in that only players who are in full-time education in Northern Ireland can be selected for the schoolboy team. Players must be born in 2007 or 2008.

Other plays to have featured in the Shield include Brad Lyons and Eoin Toal.

A spokesperson said: "Last year Simon Nicks in his first full season in charge had unprecedented success in guiding the boys to victories against Australia, Jersey, England, Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Wales, winning the Centenary Shield.

"This incredible feat did not happen by chance with trials for over 250 of the finest young players beginning back in September 2023, following this 24 training days were completed at Magherafelt as well as a training camp in Jersey. This would not have been possible without Simon’s carefully selected backroom staff of Richard Clarke, Neil McGaughey, Eamon Curry, James McGaughey and Adam Steed who fully support Simon’s vision and ideas."

Some of the trial dates include:

  • QUB DUB, BELFAST 29/9/24 12:00

  • ST COLUMB'S DERRY 29/9/24 10.30AM

  • COOKSTOWN MUSA 6/10/24 10AM

  • LARNE, THE CLIFF 6/10/24 10AM

  • BANBRIDGE, ST PATRICK'S COLLEGE 13/10/24 10AM

Full details of the trials and registration form can be found here: https://forms.gle/163cu35M34UYMcbt7

Further information can also be obtained at email: ashton@nisfa.co.uk

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