The tournament, which originated in Ireland in 1995, is hosted on a rotating basis by Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales and the participants this year include Holland and a regional development squad from the USA. This annual tournament takes on a new focus with the recent decision from FIFA that there will be a World Championships played at this age level in 2008.

The Irish team has been grouped in a tough group on this occasion and will face both England and Holland. Performances in recent years, however, mean that the Irish will head into the fixture knowing that the gap in standard between the teams is closing and that the Irish stand as good a chance as any of emerging victorious.

This Irish squad includes players from around the country including Clare, Galway, Roscommon, Waterford and Dublin. It boasts a number of players who have played at this level previously including Stephanie Ankatell, Jennifer Critchley and Lynn Marie Grant and also includes two players who are part of the current Under 19 extended squad - Paula Murray and Noelle Murray.

The Irish team’s challenge gets underway today with a match against England (kick off 7.00pm). They then take on Holland on Tuesday 11th April (kick off 7.00pm). They will have one further fixture on Friday 14th, but opposition and kick off time will be determined by the results of the first two fixtures.

Details of the entire squad are as follows:

Stephanie Anketell (Lifford); Michelle Byrne (Peamount United); Christina Byrne (Raheny); Catriona Connellan (Lifford); Rebecca Creigh (Templeogue Utd); Jennifer Critchley (Lifford); Sarah Finnerty (Cam Celtic); Michelle Glynn (Mervue); Rachel Graham (Raheny); Lynn Marie Grant (Benefica); Catriona McGlip (Cabinteely), Niamh Mulcahy (Aisling Anacotty); Anna Mullan (Kells); Elaine Murray (Raheny); Paula Murray (Kells); Noelle Murray (St Anthony’s); Rebeka Penco (Raheny); Emma Reilly (Templeogue Utd); Stephanie Roche (Stella Maris)