Ireland's under-16 boys and girls have the chance of qualifying for an Olympic Games this week as they take on Europe's finest sides.
550 players plus coaches and managers will compete in the Hague at the highest level in Europe in their age category. Last played in July 2006, in Valencia(girls) and Dublin(Boys), The Netherlands won both tournaments and will go into the competitions as one of the pre-tournament favourites.
This tournament, though, sees an extra bonus as the winning nation will qualify to represent Europe at the Youth Olympics in Singapore, 2010 at ant age category to be announced by the FIH.
The Eureopean Trophy - the second tier of competition - takes place for the girls this week in Anapa, Russia while the boys are in Siemianowice Slaskie in Poland.Two teams will be promoted from those events to the Championship in 2010, with the bottom two in Ireland's competition relegated.
Speaking about the competition, the President of the EHF, Leandro Negre said "This event is the platform from which the stars of tomorrow are launched. For these young players to be playing for the chance not only to be Champions of Europe but also to be playing in an Olympic Qualification event is the pinnacle of their careers so far. It also firmly establishes hockey in the Olympic family of sport and gives these players the roadmap for learning Olympic values and the benefits of our sport."
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