UNDER 17 boss Stephen Robinson is hoping his side’s recent qualifying success can bolster the feel-good factor currently enveloping Northern Irish football.
The senior squad’s heroics in Portugal have been boosted by the U17s qualifying for the Elite Stages of the UEFA European Championships
Add to that the success of the U17 and U19 youth women teams and fans have plenty to cheer about.
Robinson’s side defeated Wales 4-0 in their opening fixture in the recent mini tournament in Estonia and followed up with a 1-1 draw against the hosts before losing narrowly 3-2 to England. It was enough to see them progress to next year’s Elite Stages.
“Everyone is delighted with the boys’ success – they deserve this,” Robinson said.
“They were playing against the likes of Wales and England who have young lads playing for English league clubs.
“Nine of our 18 lads still play in the Irish League, so it was a great achievement.
“They have a great work ethos and they put in the effort and got their rewards. It all helps towards bringing them through the ranks, and hopefully progressing to the senior ranks in the years to come.”
FULL STORY IN TUESDAY’S NEWS LETTER
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