European under-16s fly the flag for women's soccer

Young football players in NI for an international tournament have spoken of how women's football is getting "bigger and bigger".

County Antrim is hosting a Uefa development camp for under-16s.

Teams from Belgium, Iceland, Spain and Northern Ireland are taking part.

The visiting teams are using training facilities at Allen Park, Crumlin Leisure Centre and the V36 Park in Newtownabbey.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has also hosted the SuperCup girls tournament since its inception in 2022.

"It's my first time in Northern Ireland" said Noor Persën, a member of the Belgian team.

"It’s a beautiful country and I want to visit again and see other places in this country. We have fun - that's important."

Rudi Van Ginderdeuren is team manager fof the Belgian Red Flames under-16s. He says such training and competitions help teams develop.

“Every country is playing in different ways. Iceland was very aggressive and in Belgium we are not used to that," he said.

"Northern Ireland's playing a different type of game and, against Spain, we know they are playing very technical.

"So it's nice to play against those three countries with different styles".

Bringing the international teams to Northern Ireland will help the home team to improve too.

Angela Platt is the director of women's football at the Irish FA.

"The beauty of these tournaments is a chance for them to experience tournament football," she said.

"The opportunity to compete against other top nations to see where they can go.

"It also gives coaches a chance to learn and see what they need to do to help players develop.

"And obviously for us, it's about trying to inspire the next generation as role models so that they continue on that journey to play football for the future."

Jessica McGuinness, 15, is the captain of the Northern Ireland under 16 women's team.

"Women’s football is always improving and getting bigger and bigger, and it's just a privilege to play for your country, and especially to captain," she said.

"I just feel proud to put on the NI top and represent my country at any age level."

And it's quite the coup for the council to bring in an event like this which gives a boost to local businesses.

Matt McDowell is the director of parks and leisure at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. He says the teams were impressed by what the area offered.

“Antrim and Newtownabbey is renowned for its incredible sporting facilities and the council spend a significant amount of money on them on a yearly basis," he said.

"So, primarily, that's why we were so honoured to host the teams.

"I think, secondly, we've got an international airport so we're incredibly well located for those international teams to come and visit.

"But I think thirdly, and probably importantly for the teams' downtime, we're quite a tourist hub as well, with a lot to see and do.”