IT has become a staple of the age-group footballing calendar, and Jersey FA U18s have a new face at the helm for the visit of Northern Ireland Schoolboys tonight at Springfield Stadium.
Steve Coutanche brings a wealth of experience to the role, with regards to helping youngsters transition into senior football, while also coaching the same age-group this campaign with the recently formed Jersey Bulls Academy.
The U18s were heavily beaten 0-6 in this fixture last year, albeit three of those goals came in the dying embers, in what was a more competitive affair than the scoreline would suggest.
“It might be my first game in charge, so to speak, but I’ve been involved in these games against Northern Ireland before,” said Coutanche.
“I was part of the centre of excellence for six years and was coaching the U18s at that point.
“So I’m well aware of the quality Northern Ireland bring and the challenge ahead for our players.
“With that being said, we are not going out there this evening with anything else in mind but trying to win the game.
“They [Northern Ireland] will bring a lot of intensity and commitment and it’s our job to match them wherever possible in those areas.”
Despite the obvious struggle of having very few fixtures together, the overwhelming majority of the group have been playing a considerable amount of first team football for their combination clubs in the local top flight, while also earning exposure to high-level mainland opposition for Jersey Bulls U18 in the FA Youth Cup.
“A lot of these guys have the benefit of playing locally week in, week out for their respective clubs, which helps a lot in terms of understanding each other’s games and how they play as a unit.
“An international fixture, however, is a much different proposition and will be a considerable step up from what they’re used to on a Saturday afternoon.”
Tonight’s fixture annually serves as the curtain raiser for Thursday’s Frank Wilson Memorial Trophy.
Last year’s match between Jersey’s U21s and Northern Ireland ended in a competitive 1-1 draw, with some of the U18 players from tonight expected to feature in Jack Cannon’s squad on Thursday.
For Coutanche and his charges, the game offers a vital preparation for April’s U18 inter-insular against bitter rivals Guernsey.
“Ultimately, the main focus will be the game against Guernsey in April,” added the head coach.
“But tonight is a game which is hugely important in terms of the players’ progress towards that.
“I’m asking them to give it everything, but most importantly to go out and enjoy the occasion.
“It’s not often you get an opportunity to play against an international team on home soil. It’s important not to lose sight of that.”
Seven of the 17 were involved in Paul Renton’s side from last year, while the ten additions have all impressed for both their local clubs with some playing a key role in Jersey Bulls U18s run in the FA Youth Cup.
Action this evening from Springfield Stadium kicks off at 7pm and entry is free for all wishing to attend.
Jersey U18s to face Northern Ireland Schoolboys: Tiago Duarte, Ralph Depledge, Ewan Brodie, Tomas Goncalves, Kyle Wilson, Harry Davy, Fergus Boyle, Evan Lees, Joey O’Toole, Casey Nixon, Callum Gilroy, Conor O’Keeffe, Will Yates, Sonny Cassidy, Max Stefanski, Stanley Dunne, Nathan MacDonald
