U16s will take on Wales at Yeovil Town FC on 15 October.

England U16 v Wales U16
Sky Sports Victory Shield
7.40pm, Thursday 15 October 2009
Huish Park, Yeovil Town FC
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Tickets are priced £3 in advance (£1 for concessions) and £5 on the day
Ticket hotline - 01935 847888

In October, Kenny Swain will take his new crop of England U16 players to Huish Park, home of Yeovil Town FC, where they will face Wales in the first match of this season’s Victory Shield.

This annual British Championship provides a platform for young players to test themselves at international level and England will be looking to maintain their dominance of the competition, having won the Shield for the previous eight years.

“We’re delighted to be able to bring this U16 game to Huish Park,” Swain said.

“It’s a terrific venue and it’ll be a great opportunity for people from the south-west to see England’s emerging talent.

“The Victory Shield is a fantastic competition because it gives young players their first taste of international football. In previous years players such as Wayne Rooney, Joe Cole and Jermain Defoe have played in this competition and have obviously gone on to represent their country at the highest level. Jack Rodwell, Danny Welbeck and Danny Rose have featured more recently and they are now making their mark at Under-21 level.

“There could be some players on view at Yeovil that will one day follow in their footsteps, and if so, they can say their England career began at Huish Park.”

Martyn Starnes, Yeovil Town’s Chief Executive, echoed Swain’s words.

"We are delighted to be asked by The Football Association to host the Victory Shield international between England and Wales at Huish Park,” he said.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for people in Somerset and the neighbouring counties to see some of the best emerging talent in the game. We hope the youngsters from the local schools and clubs particularly will attend in large numbers and create a terrific atmosphere for this prestigious match."

Last season, England U16s beat Wales 1-0 thanks to a late strike from Arsenal’s Benik Afobe. Swain will next week name his squad for this year's encounter.

England’s other two Victory Shield fixtures will see them host Northern Ireland on 5 November, before travelling to Scotland on 26 November.