Release Date: 08/03/2010

THE Northern Ireland U19 women’s squad will take on Scotland this week in two international friendlies in Ballymoney and Larne.

The games will be used as preparation for the 10th UEFA European Women’s U19 Championship 2010/11 qualifying tournament to be hosted by the Czech Republic (11-16 September) – Northern Ireland have been drawn in Group 9 with Romania, Czech Republic and Turkey.

The first game against Scotland will be played on Tuesday night (March 9) at the Riada Stadium, Ballymoney, kick-off: 7.30pm; with the second match on Thursday (March 11) at Wellington Rec, Larne, kick-off: 12.00pm.

“There are a lot of young players in the squad – including some players who were part of the U18 Schoolgirls team which played Australia at the end of January and did extremely well,” said National Women’s Coach Alfie Wylie.

“We also have five full senior internationals in the squad - Lauren Wade, Rachel Laverty, Alex Hurst, Kendra McMullan and Billie Simpson – who will be able to use their experience to help the other players in the team.

“We have been drawn in a difficult group for the European Women’s U19 qualifying tournament – but these games against Scotland will be good preparation for the tournament which will take place later this year.”

Some of the players from this squad will also be involved in the qualifying tournament for the 4th UEFA European Women’s U17 Championship 2010/11.  Northern Ireland have been drawn in Group 2 with the Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland and Macedonia, with the qualifying tournament being hosted by Northern Ireland from 16-21 October.

Alfie added:  “All the girls have come through the County Excellence system and I would just like to congratulate the county coaches, the players’ clubs and also the U17 coaches for all their hard work with the players.”

Northern Ireland squad for Scotland games:

• Alice Harkness
• Katie Farrell
• Chloe Archibald
• Billie Simpson
• Tasmin McCarter
• Megan Weatherall
• Cathy Graham
• Maeve Nethercott
• Alex Hurst
• Hayley O’Donnell
• Kendra McMullan
• Aoife Lennon
• Louise McFrederick
• Nicole Connolly
• Rachel Laverty
• Simone Magill
• Amy Doherty
• Lauren Wade

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