Cork City 'ecstatic' as Under 19s qualify for UEFA Youth League

Cork City Under 19s are set to become the first Irish side to compete in the UEFA Youth League.

 

The Rebel Army's under-age side had their place confirmed in the competition after Celtic, Manchester City, Porto and Legia Warsaw progressed in the UEFA Champions League which saw their under-age sides qualify automatically.

 

As a result of their victories, spots opened up in the Domestic Champions side of the UEFA Youth League draw and as SSE Airtricity Under 19 Champions, Cork City take their place at the top table of European youth football.

 

They will be Ireland's first-ever representative in the competition in what is a major step forward for Irish domestic football and youth development.

 

Cork Under 19 manager Steven Bermingham believes the 'dream' has become a reality as Europe's premier youth competition will be coming to Turner's Cross.

 



Bermingham said: "We came back into training last night and the lads were ecstatic. We knew it was always a possibility but it was confirmed last night so there's a real excitement about the place.

 

"A dream has become a reality as to play against some of the top clubs in Europe will be an unbelievable experience and opportunity for them.

 

"It makes all the hard work over the last few years worth it as we've been working really hard with our under-age set-up to develop young and local talent, and they will now get to play on the main stage."

 



Cork could see the likes of European giants Roma, Malaga, Anderlecht and Ajax visit Ireland in the two knock-out stages.

 

Bermingham is excited by the possible challenge of playing some of the top Academies in Europe and says it is a reward for all the hard work going on in the SSE Airtricity League.

 

He continued: "They're the top clubs in Europe with huge Academies. If we get to play against these teams, it will only do our development good. Ajax are obviously well known for consistently bringing through top talent so we got to play against them, it would be really exciting.

 

"The league is getting stronger and stronger. Over the years, we've seen teams approach the under-age teams more professionally which has really helped develop talent.

 

"There is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to make the league better. Hopefully, this will be the first team of many over the years to qualify for the UEFA Youth League.

 

The draw for the knock-out stages of the UEFA Youth League is set to take place on Tuesday at 11am in Nyon where Cork will find out their opponents.

 

Bermingham is confident that the city will come out to support the young side in the competition and believes it can only benefit the first-team in the long-term.

 

Bermingham added: "The support will mean everything to the players as it would be a great experience for them and I've no doubt everything will come out to support the young lads.

 

"The one thing about Cork supporters is that if the team needs support, they will always be there for them and if we play one of the big Academies, we'd need that support.

 

"Obviously, the major objective is to develop players for the first-team. This will only benefit the squad in the long-term because if the young players can get this experience at an early age, in the years to come, the club will benefit."