Scottish football supporters will be able to see the next generation of national team stars in action on their doorstep later this month, as Scotland plays host to not one, but two UEFA Elite Rounds at under-17 level.
Scotland Under-17s and Scotland Women’s Under-17s will both be looking to continue their quest for European glory when they take to the pitch in just a fortnight’s time, with fans encouraged to get out and support their teams.
Brian McLaughlin will be hoping that his Scotland Under-17s charges can continue their unbeaten start to 2019 as they look to secure their place at the UEFA Under-17s European Championship.
Brian McLaughlin has named his #SCO17s side for the Elite Round stage of European qualifying.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 4, 2019
📅 Portugal, Wed, 20 March, 6pm – Simple Digital Arena
📅 Russia, Sat, 23 March, 4pm – Simple Digital Arena
📅 Poland, Tues, 26 March, 5pm, Energy Check Stadium at Firhill#YoungTeam pic.twitter.com/bhinQsGFxa
Portugal, Poland and Russia stand between Scotland and a berth at the finals, which take place in the Republic of Ireland at the beginning of May.
Winning the group would seal automatic qualification for McLaughlin’s side, with the seven best runners-up from across the UEFA Elite Round groups also earning a spot at the finals.
Meanwhile, Pauline MacDonald’s Scotland Women’s Under-17s outfit will also be looking to book their place at a finals tournament this summer through their UEFA Elite Round campaign.
#SCOW17s | Pauline MacDonald has named her Scotland Women's Under-17s squad for our Elite Round qualifiers.#OurGirlsOurGame pic.twitter.com/tFR9yrcq2b
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) March 6, 2019
Unlike the men’s competition, only the group winners will progress to the UEFA Women’s Under-17s European Championship in Bulgaria this coming May, meaning home advantage could prove crucial in Scotland’s pursuit of qualification.
MacDonald’s side will battle it out with Germany, Norway and the Republic of Ireland in Edinburgh for a place at the finals — a tournament that they haven’t reached since 2014.
Supporters will be able to attend all of the UEFA Elite Round matches taking place across Scotland for free, with updates available via the @ScotlandNT Twitter account.
UEFA Elite Round Fixtures
Wednesday, 20 March
Scotland Women’s Under-17s v Germany
Oriam, kick-off 1pm
Scotland Under-17s v Portugal
St Mirren Park, kick-off 6pm
Saturday, 23 March
Scotland Under-17s v Russia
St Mirren Park, 4pm
Scotland Women’s Under-17s v Norway
Oriam, 4.30pm
Tuesday, 26 March
Scotland Women’s Under-17s v Republic of Ireland
Ainslie Park, kick-off 2.30pm
Scotland Under-17s v Poland
Firhill, kick-off 5pm