Ireland Men’s Under-16s will kick-off their Victory Shield defence against Scotland in October as their schedule for 2024 was confirmed.

Paul Osam’s young Boys in Green will begin their international season with a trip to Belgium to take on the ‘Red Devils’ on Sunday, September 29. 

Days later they head to Cumbernauld in Scotland and face the hosts on Tuesday, October 8 in the opening game of the 2024 Victory Shield.

They then face Wales on Thursday, October 10 and end the tournament against neighbours Northern Ireland on Sunday, October 13.

Speaking ahead of the new international season, Head Coach Paul Osam said: “Work has already got underway ahead of our September fixture. We hosted an assessment day in FAI HQ and it gave us a real opportunity to look at options available to us ahead of the new season.

“Belgium is an exciting game to start the season with. They’re a quality team and it will be a real test for the squad ahead of the Victory Shield. As for the Victory Shield itself, I’ve always said that it’s as tough a tournament you will face in this part of Europe. As we’re neighbouring countries there’s an added bite to the games and while non-competitive the opportunity to lift the shield adds an edge to the game.

“We’ve won it twice in the last two years and I’ve no doubt our team will relish the chance to make it three out of three.”

Ireland Men’s Under-16s international fixtures

Sunday, September 29 | Ireland v Belgium (venue and kick-off time TBC)
Tuesday, October 8 | Ireland v Scotland, Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, Scotland, KO 11.30am
Thursday, October 10 | Ireland v Wales Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, Scotland, KO 3.30Pm
Sunday, October 13 | Northern Ireland v Ireland, Broadwood Stadium, Cumbernauld, Scotland, KO 11.30am