Players who were part of the Northern Ireland squad at this year’s UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championships have been celebrated in style.
The 20 members of the WU17s panel were presented with special caps to mark their achievement in representing their country at the WU17 Euros, which were staged in Northern Ireland.
Although Northern Ireland were eliminated in the group stages, they had the consolation of being the only team to beat eventual overall winners Germany in the eight-team tournament. They defeated the new European champions 1-0 in a Group A game at Inver Park in Larne.
The international caps presentation ceremony, held at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park prior to the tournament final, brought together players, families, coaches and other backroom staff to mark a proud milestone in the development of the women’s game here.
Angela Platt, the Irish FA’s Director of Women’s Football, praised the players for their commitment in the run-up to and during the major tournament.
The special caps were presented by former Northern Ireland senior internationals Julie Nelson and Marissa Callaghan.
WU17s manager Gail Redmond reflected on the journey to the finals and the collective effort behind the team’s success.
She said: “As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child - and the same is true when you are building a successful team. The team behind the team deserve so much credit.”
Redmond thanked UEFA for providing the Irish FA with the opportunity to host the finals, as well as Irish FA staff and tournament organisers who made the event possible.
She also acknowledged the critical role of parents: “Thank you for all your support throughout this journey… but most of all thank you for raising hard-working, resilient, talented young women.”
The event also recognised staff who supported the squad throughout the campaign, from coaching and performance analysis to medical, operations and player welfare.
Highlighting the dedication of her backroom staff, Redmond said: “We didn’t have 22 like the English or 28 like the Germans, but what we did have was a lot of passion and the ability to do more with less.”
Special mention was given to the technical and support team, whose collective efforts ensured the players were prepared to compete at the highest level.
Redmond also spoke about the belief and ambition behind the project, referencing a pivotal moment during the UEFA Women’s Euros in 2022. She revealed to the players: “I said out loud that the next time our country was at a major finals, I didn’t want to be there commentating… I wanted to be coaching. Four years later, I got to do that with you.”
And she further said to the players: “What’s your dream? Whatever it is, say it out loud - because dreams do come true.”
At the caps ceremony
