Northern Ireland’s Women’s Under-17s are set to compete in Euro qualifiers despite being assured of a place in this year’s WU17 Euros by virtue of being hosts.
The Irish Football Association will stage the UEFA Women’s Under-17 European Championship from 3 to 16 May.
As preparation for the tournament, Northern Ireland’s WU17s are set to take part in stage two of the qualifiers, with a game later this week and two next week.
Gail Redmond’s side are off to Strumica, the largest city in southeastern North Macedonia, to compete in League B Group 2 along with top seeds and hosts North Macedonia, Luxembourg and Georgia.
First up for second seeds Northern Ireland in the mini tournament is a game against third seeds Luxembourg on Saturday (28 February). It’s being played at Stadium Kukus in Strumica (noon start GMT).
In their second game they will take on Georgia at the same venue next Tuesday (3 March). Once again it will have a noon start GMT.
Their third and final match is against North Macedonia. It is being staged on Friday 6 March (12pm kick-off GMT). It’s also taking place in Strumica but at a different venue: the Goran Pandev Training Complex.
Northern Ireland also competed in stage one of the WU17 Euro 2026 qualifiers back in November. They narrowly lost 2-1 to Turkiye in game one in League B Group 4 before defeating Luxembourg in their second and final game. Turkiye won the group and were promoted to League A.
Redmond has chosen a 20-strong squad for stage two of the qualifiers.
Six group winners and the best runner-up from League B will be promoted to League A for Round 1 of the next edition of the competition.
The Northern Ireland Women's U17 squad features:
Goalkeepers – Ifeoma Agoha, Sophie Glover.
Defenders – Chloe Beckinsale, Sara Devany, Zion Donnan, Holly Hilton, Ellie McGarrigle, Daisy Moore, Grace Steele.
Midfielders – Grace Campbell, Heidi Curran, Grace Guest, Charlotte Havern, Leah Hepburn, Mirjana Karrabecaj, Emilee Leacock.
Forwards – Ava Hurl, Annarose Robinson, Abbie Smyth, Maja Stachura.
