U-17 squad highlights success of FAI coaching scheme

ALMOST half of the Irish U-17 squad that played in a quadrangular soccer tournament in the Canary Islands last week were drawn from outside of Dublin.

The leader of the Irish group, Noel O'Reilly, said the increasing number of players from provincial clubs winning recognition at international level was proof of the success of the FAI coaching programme.

The squad consisted of 30 players, 16 of them from Dublin. Cork provided five players, and other counties represented were Kerry, Louth, Donegal, Derry, Wicklow, Cavan, Clare, Tipperary. The team played three matches. They drew 1-1 with Italy, 1-1 with Spain and lost their final match to a Canary Islands select 0-1. Said O'Reilly: "It is also significant that eleven of the players were drawn from clubs in Ireland. It points to the success of the regional development officers' scheme and reflects the work they are doing.