The annual Under-16 home nations competition, contested by England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, marks its 60th year since the Second World War this autumn with the support of a new sponsor.

The three-year agreement sees Sky Sports add further financial support to its long-term arrangement for live coverage. The tournament was first broadcast on Sky Sports in 1995 and this season marks a decade of live coverage.

England Under-16 coach Kenny Swain said: "Playing in the Victory Shield is a great experience for young players. At their age they are already natural competitors and they will already have played in ‘local derbies’ and the like for their clubs.

"But something like an England v Scotland match in front of a big crowd and on television will be totally new to them.

"That’s why a competition like the Shield is so useful in development terms - it gives the players the right kind of experience and affords them an opportunity to realise thepotential that we have seen in them.

"Sky Sports have been fantastic supporters of the Victory Shield over the last decade with their excellent coverage and this additional support is great news."

Vic Wakeling, Managing Director of Sky Sports added; "We have seen some very good football over the last ten years, and some star names emerging.

"Michael Owen scored a goal for England - live on Sky Sports - which he has described as one of his very best, and others such as Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher are playing at the top of the game for club and country.

"Funding is vital at this level of the game, and we are delighted to be able to help and support a competition which has such a great heritage."

Sky Sports have enhanced the trophy itself, while restoring the original shield at the heart of the design.