Latest news with #VictoryShield
Belfast Telegraph
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland withdraw from youth tournament that set Steven Davis and Conor Bradley on their way to stardom
Exclusive | Northern Ireland have pulled out of the famous Victory Shield youth tournament that set the likes of Norman Whiteside, Michael O'Neill, David Healy, Aaron Hughes, Steven Davis, Jonny Evans and Conor Bradley on their international football journey. The Irish FA confirmed to Sunday Life Sport that they have withdrawn from the competition 100 years after it was first played as a 'strategic step designed to allow us to reshape and refocus our Under-16 programme'.
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Scotland pull out of Victory Shield as famous historic tournament could be scrapped
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. The round robin home nations competition used to be the pinnacle of youth football in Britain. 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.
Scottish Sun
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Rangers ‘likely to lose' young star to Premier League giants – but they won't lose out on cash
He won't be the first to swap Scotland for down south ON THE MOVE Rangers 'likely to lose' young star to Premier League giants – but they won't lose out on cash Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A RANGERS academy star is being tracked by a Premier League giant, according to a report. He can sign professional terms with the Ibrox club this summer but they look set to lose him to the Prem. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 1 Rangers look set to lose a youngster to the Premier League Credit: SNS Oliver Goodbrand, 16, has risen through the youth ranks at Gers and made his B team debut last year at the age of 15. The defender has captained Scotland at youth level, wearing the armband during the Under-16s Victory Shield campaign. According to the Daily Record, the up-and-coming starlet is on Newcastle United's wishlist and they are keen to take him south of the border and will pay Rangers a training compensation fee to secure his services. It's believed Gers have offered the teenager professional terms too but they are resigned to him having a desire to move on and test himself in England. He would be the latest talent to come through the Ibrox academy only to take an offer from a club down south. Billy Gilmour did the same in 2017 after spending eight years with his boyhood club. And Rory Wilson moved to Aston Villa in 2022 after a stunning run of goal scoring form for the Gers youth teams. Speaking after making his B team debut against Partick Thistle in November, Goodbrand said: 'I was focused on just being myself, getting on the ball, and doing the things that I do best. 'It's brilliant and getting exposure to play against experienced players is only going to help my development. It's definitely something which will make me improve. 'I'm hungry for more of these opportunities because it's what I believe will make me progress as a player the most.' The Coffee Club assess who could be Rangers' next manager as doubts emerge over Daniel Farke's future at Leeds Newcastle snapped up Charlie McArthur from Kilmarnock back in 2022. He made his first team debut for Killie at 16 and is currently on loan at Carlistle United, where he has played ten times since joining in the January transfer window. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
