The Victory Shield begins on Sunday, October 30 at the Regional Sports Centre in Waterford, with Ireland starting the tournament against Wales.
The young boys in green will be looking to replicate their success in 2016 and 2017 when they won back-to-back titles.
Head coach Paul Osam has named a 22-man squad for the tournament, with some of the country's brightest talents to take part.
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT | #IRLU16 Head Coach Paul Osam has named his squad for the Victory Shield in Waterford ☘️
Sun, Oct 30 | ?? v ??????? | RSC
Tue, Nov 1 | ?? v NI | Tramore AFC
Fri, Nov 4 | ?? v ??????? | RSC? All Ireland games to be shown live for Free on LOITV#COYBIG | #WeAreOne
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) October 25, 2022
Ireland has featured in the prestigious tournament since 2015 and this is the second time it will be held on home soil.
The boys will be looking to clinch the competition for a third time in seven years, which would also be a trio for Osam.
This is a tremendous opportunity to witness the future of the beautiful game, with tickets available at the turnstiles for only €5, and free entry for anybody under 16 years of age.
Speaking to Beat Sport, Mr Osam said: "It's fantastic to be here, it's a great opportunity for the people of Waterford to support the young boys in green.
"It's not often that we play games in Ireland, but to have the Victory shield here in Waterford is a fantastic opportunity for people to come and see the talent that's on display.
"Last time we played here was in Kerry and we had great support, as I'm sure we'll have for the coming week for the games here in Waterford."
Some of today's household names have featured in this competition in years gone by, with senior internationals Nathan Collins, Jason Knight, Adam Idah and Troy Parrott all winners of the prestigious tournament.
Paying particular attention to the squad and upcoming opponents, the Irish head coach added: "We’re playing against Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These are real games, and they’re not friendly games.
"The squad is coming along nicely. We played against the Manchester United Academy squad and we were very good in that game.
"They played really well, and we’re very happy with them, but it’s not the same test that they’re going to come up against this week.
"We’re coming up against International players and I think that we’ll be ok.
"They seem to be a very good group of players. We’ve got two good players in every position this year, which isn’t always the case."
The South East has representation in the squad, with Wexford star Kaylem Harnett expected to feature heavily.
The teen sensation has been clocking up accolades and recognition by the week, and a keen eye may see a future star from the region.
Tune into SportsBeat Xtra on Saturday 30 October at 5:30 pm to hear the full interview with Paul Osam.
Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-16s Squad
Goalkeepers: Joe Collins (Bray Wanderers), Marcus Gill (Celtic)
Defenders: Luca Cailloce (Bohemians), Fiachra Coffey (Bohemians), Ivan Graminschii (Shelbourne), Kaylem Harnett (Wexford), Luke Mulligan (Dundalk), Taylor McCarthy (Bohemians), James Roche (Shamrock Rovers), Egor Vassenin (Klub Kildare)
Midfielders: Ronnie Gorman (Brighton & Hove Albion), Niall McAndrews (Derby County), Matthew Moore (Cork City), Sean Moore (Bohemians), Luke O’Donnell (Derry City), Richard Vodo (Shamrock Rovers)
Forwards: Afi Adebayo (Ipswich Town), Kyle Fitzgerald (Galway United), Darragh Marshall (Shamrock Rovers), Mason Melia (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Matt Murray (Cork City), Ike Orazi (Shamrock Rovers)
2022 Victory Shield Fixtures/Match information
Sunday, October 30
- Republic of Ireland MU16 v Wales MU16, RSC, Waterford, KO 5 pm Tickets are available at the turnstiles and priced €5 for adults with entry for U16s free
- Northern Ireland MU16 v Scotland MU16, Tramore AFC, Tramore, KO 2 pm
Tuesday, November 1
- Republic of Ireland MU6 v Northern Ireland MU16, Tramore AFC, Tramore, KO 7 pm Tickets are available from Tramore AFC and priced €5 for adults with entry for U16s free
- Scotland MU16 v Wales MU16, RSC, Waterford, KO 2 pm
Friday, November 4
- Republic of Ireland MU16 v Scotland MU16, RSC, Waterford, KO 2 pm Tickets are available at the turnstiles and priced €5 for adults with entry for U16s free
- Wales MU16 v Northern Ireland MU16, Tramore AFC, Tramore, KO 11 am
