High hopes as sponsor is named

Sponsor confirmed
Boyce, who is also chairman of UEFA's youth and amateur football committee, was speaking on the same day that Meteor Electrical was confirmed as the main sponsor for the finals, which are scheduled for 18-29 July.

'Great honour'
"It is a great honour that UEFA has awarded the hosting of such a prestigious tournament to Northern Ireland in the Irish FA's 125th anniversary year," said Boyce. "Special thanks must be extended to our main sponsor, Meteor Electrical, and of course to all of our sponsors and funders, whose contribution has been tremendous.

Public support
"I sincerely hope and trust that the Northern Ireland public will also play their part by supporting this event and I have no doubt that Northern Ireland's international image will be greatly enhanced."

Careful planning
Years of careful planning and support from bodies including the Irish Football Association, Northern Ireland Events Company, UK Sport, Belfast City Council and the Sports Council for Northern Ireland helped secured this prestigious tournament for the country.

Olsson statement
UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson said: "We are pleased that the Irish Football Association will host the final round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2005 as this coincides with the important celebration of its 125-year anniversary. We are convinced that the IFA will stage a successful tournament, especially as they can count on the full support and backing of the local authorities and various partners.".

'Substantial package'
As confirmed today, a "substantial" sponsorship deal has been arranged with Meteor Electrical, an electrical wholesale supplier based in the Northern Irish town of Cookstown. John Conway, the company's managing director, said: "Meteor Electrical is proud to be the main sponsor of the UEFA European Under 19 Championship and to offer the event a substantial sponsorship package." Other sponsors, including Pepsi, Translink, Ballygowan, the Daily Mirror and Schism Communications, have added their support.

Eight finalists
There are five venues for the tournament: Windsor Park, The Oval, Ballymena Showgrounds, Mourneview Park in Lurgan and Newry Showgrounds. Northern Ireland qualify automatically as hosts and the identity of the seven other finalists will be known by the end of May.