Northern Ireland National Women’s Coach, Alfie Wylie, has named his squad for the UEFA U-19 Championship which starts on Tuesday 8th August.
The 18-strong panel features players from across Northern Ireland including three players from the U-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 in 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 8th August, Scotland at Mourneview Park Lurgan on Friday 11th August before completing their Group Stage matches with a game against Germany at Ballymena Showgrounds on Monday 14thAugust.
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 in the Girl’s 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.”
Goalkeepers
Kirsty McCaughtry (Crusaders)
Lauren Perry (Linfield)
Defenders
Courtney Moore (Crusaders)
Teresa Burns (Sion Swifts)
Emma McMaster (Cliftonville) captain
Yasmin White (Glentoran)
Izzy Coppell (Leicester City)
Lauren Robson (Linfield)
Midfielders
Brenna McPartlan (Manchester City)
Megan Riley (Challenge SC, USA)
Chloe Orr (Mid Ulster)
Louise McDaniel (Linfield)
Abbie Magee (Linfield)
Megan Bell (Linfield)
Forwards
Emily Wilson (Crusaders)
Rebecca Bassett (Mid Ulster)
Leyla McFarland (Eastlake High School, USA)
Morganne Beggs (Crusaders)
Source / Images – irishfa.com
