International

Playing for Northern Ireland schools

NI Schoolboys date back to the early 1900's and are presently represented by U18 boys selected from schools' accross the country to represent NISFA in the Centenary Shield.
NISFA sends representative schools at U14 to represent Northern Ireland in SAFIB Competitions, The Rod Houston and Allen McKinstry. 

Selection

From a school tie to an international squad

  • Teachers nominate players during the cup rounds. Nominations close in November.
  • Regional trials are held in November. Players are watched in matches.
  • A training squad is named, then cut to a match squad ahead of the Centenary Shield.
  • Selection is by school nomination only. There is no open application and no fee.
The Northern Ireland schools' squad and staff celebrate with the shield under floodlights
Fixtures

Who we play

Squads in the Centenary Shield traditionally play England, Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland as well as friendlies against Australia and Jersey. Home matches are played at Blanchflower Stadium and are open to spectators.
The Allen McKinstry and Rod Houston are school teams which play all the home nation champions at a central venue.

Girls competing for a high ball

ROD HOUSTON

Champions in the U13 NI Cup play the national champions from England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland.

Boys competing for the ball in midfield

ALLEN MCKINSTRY

Champions in the U13 NI Cup play the national champions from England, Scotland, Wales and Republic of Ireland.