Truro City Football Club to host international game

Truro City Football Club is to host an international game. The National League South club is preparing to welcome England and Northern Ireland teams for the Schools’ Association Football International Board (SAFIB) Centenary Shield. The game in March next year will see the England Under-18 team take on their Norther Irish counterparts. It will also be the England schoolboys’ second Centenary Shield fixture of the season, following an away game against Scotland on Friday, February 28.

The match will see schoolboy international football return to the Duchy after Treyew Road, City’s former home, hosted England versus Wales in 2015. The SAFIB Centenary shield, which was first contested in 1973, is a competitive international competition between under-18 schoolboy squads from across the home nations.

England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland all play each other in a round robin format, with the team with the most points at the end of the tournament lifting the historic trophy.

READ MORE: This £34 festive jumper from Roman looks just like designer garment worn by Kate Middleton

READ MORE: Rick Stein says 'I'm lucky' as explains extent of 'unzip' heart operation

Northern Ireland are the reigning champions of the Shield, taking the title from England who shared victory with Wales in 2023. Bosses at Truro City said the club's new home at Langarth can expect a bumper crowd for the event as it will be an opportunity to see England's stars of tomorrow in action.

Join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and be first to hear what's happening near you - Cornwall Live

In a post on the club's website, Eric Perez, Truro City’s executive chairman, said: "On behalf of Truro City Football Club, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to the English Schools Football Association (ESFA), for the upcoming England under-18 schoolboys fixture against Northern Ireland on March 14.

"This is a proud moment for us, as the home of Truro City will once again play host to such a prestigious event. We are thrilled to see the ESFA returning to Truro and look forward to an exciting match that showcases the talent and passion of young international players.

"Our community is ready to support and celebrate the spirit of international football, and we are committed to providing an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Welcome back to Truro."

ESFA chairman Nick Loftus added: "Schools football serves several valuable purposes; teachers want to create opportunities and learning experiences for youngsters in their care, and what better way is there than showcasing some of the elite level talent in our schools through these international schoolboy fixtures.

“Every youngster needs the chance to shine and for some that is through sport. For players like this year’s international representatives, the opportunities come in the early days of their time at school, whilst for others it comes later. I hope that the under-18 players this season take full advantage of their status as international schoolboy players and inspire others too."

The fixture will take place on Friday March 14. Adult tickets start at just £10 for standing admission. Reserved seating in the main grandstand is £12, while concessions are £7. For those fans that can’t make the game in person, every kick will be available to stream via the England Schools’ Football Association’s (ESFA) YouTube channel.

For more information about the event check out https://trurocity.wax.events/

⚠️ Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️