Scotland pull out of Victory Shield as famous historic tournament could be scrapped

Daily Record

24-05-2025

The 100-year-old home nations youth tournament that has been graced by some of the biggest names in British football is in crisis.
Scotland have pulled out of the Victory Shield with the future of the historic competition now in serious doubt.
SFA chiefs have made the decision along with the Welsh and Northern Irish associations 100 years after the tournament was first held.
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The round robin home nations competition used to be the pinnacle of youth football in Britain.
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But sources say the quality of the event, the standard of pitches, crowds and interest has dropped dramatically since England pulled out in 2015.
The SFA are now exploring alternative competitions for their under 16 age group.
Some of the nation's biggest stars have graced the Victory Shield down the years including Kenny Dalglish, Paul McStay, Darren Fletcher, Peter Lorimer, Jim McCalliog and current internationals Billy Gilmour and Ben Doak.
Historically played for by schools' associations from the four home nations, the Victory Shield switched to an under 16 event in 2001 to fall in line with other UEFA countries.
In it's pomp games would attract up to 25,000 fans at grounds such as Ibrox and Hampden.
Scotland have won the famous trophy outright 17 times - 20 less than England. They have also shared it a further 12 times.
The last three years have been dominated by the Republic of Ireland, who replaced England, most recently in October last year when Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld played host.