Representative Football for u16 boys (2004s) in North Tipperary

The NTSFL has entered an u16 squad in the Subway SFAI Interleague competition for 2020.  The group stages see North Tipp play 5 group matches against quality sides commencing on 9^th February and concluding on 29^th March.  Games are Home v Clare 9/2, Home for South Tipp 23/2, Away v Waterford 1/3, Away v Cork 15/3 and Home v Kerry 29/3.  Position in group stage will determine knockout tournament.  Last year this squad at u15 level was successful in a Munster Final plate and earned a prestigious place in an All-Ireland Final as well as representing the SFAI in an All-Ireland tournament in Northern Ireland and at winning silverware at the Manchester Cup. 

U16 is the pinnacle of a young players schoolboy football, before they move on to Youths football at u17 / u19 and ultimately to adults football.  While Kennedy Cup at u14 level is seen by many as the high point in schoolboy football, the development of skills, physique, intellect, attitude and indeed the person continues long after under 14s.  Having a performance pathway beyond u14 is essential.  

We are seeking to establish a high calibre, highly committed training squad from which match day squads will be selected.   Open trials will be held in the coming weeks to commence a training squad in November in order to prepare for the February competition kick-off.  This is an open invitation to all clubs registered in the NTSFL and all players born 2004 or later, to express interest in this squad.  All of last year’s u15 squad still registered in NTSFL are invited to attend.  There is also an opportunity for additional coaches to join an established coaching team.  The current coaching ticket is club coaches Ray Hickey and TP Sullivan with the support of National W17 Head Coach James Scott.  Training is planned for Wednesdays nights in Nenagh with games on Sundays.       

This is an excellent opportunity for young footballers to

·       Have the honour of representing their league, club and community at a national level.  Playing inter league level should mean a lot to ambitious sportsmen.   

·       For players aspiring to u17 League of Ireland selection, college level at home or abroad,  or indeed playing the game professionally, this is the best competition to both develop and showcase your skills.  This is the competition the scouts and recruiters monitor for emerging talent. 

·       Test yourself against some of the best young footballers in the country and improve yourself as a result.

·       Enjoy a competitive environment over and above the challenges faces at club level. 

·       There are always later developers, or players who recently started football or suddenly excelled, or recently joined an NTSFL club.  You may never have been in an ETP programme.  This is your chance.  

·       Be part of a fun but challenging squad.  Break out your comfort zone.   Be the best you can be, and enjoy it. 

While many young footballers in the NTSFL are duel sports players, the timing of this competition in winter may allow players who also play hurling,  rugby or other sports to make themselves available and give the required commitment to this squad. 

We are doing this, let’s do it right.  Let’s take the best of our schoolboy clubs and put together a league representative schoolboy squad that showcases all that’s best in football in Tipperary.  Any queries contact TP Sullivan 0831190724