The draws for the Elite Stages of the 2019 European Championships at both U17 and U19 level took place at UEFA Headquarters in Nyon this Thursday morning. The draws for the Qualifying Stages of the 2020 Competitions were also made today.
Ireland, as Tournament Finals Host, were not involved in the U17 Elite Stage draw, with Head Coach Colin O’Brien set to continue preparation for the May 2019 Finals with a series of friendly internationals.
In the Elite Stage draw, our U19 side were drawn in Group One alongside Russia, who will host the mini-tournament between the 20th and 26th March 2019, Azerbaijan and Romania. The Group Winners only qualify for the July 2019 Finals in Armenia.
The draw for the U17 Qualifying Stage of the 2020 competition saw Ireland drawn in Group 3, which we will host, alongside Israel, Montenegro and Andorra. The top two from the qualifying group qualify for the Elite Stage of the 2020 competition. The matches will be played between the 12th and 18th October 2019.
The draw for the U19 Qualifying Stage of the 2020 competition saw Ireland drawn in Group 10 alongside Austria, who will host the mini-tournament between the 13th and 19th November 2019, Switzerland and Gibraltar. The top two from the qualifying group qualify for the Elite Stage of the 2020 competition.