MICHAEL O'Neill and his 23-strong panel of players are only embarking on their Euro 2016 adventure but a talented young footballer from Castlewellan has already experienced the excitement of playing for Northern Ireland in Europe.
Chris Cope was a member of the Northern Ireland 05 team that is just back from a tournament staged in Germany and the Czech Republic.
It was a hugely enjoyable but hectic time for The Northern Ireland team, who played against teams representing Tottenham Hotspur, Young Boys Bern, Sparta Prague, Ajax and Legia Warsaw.
They also faced opponents from Slovenia, Japan and Australia. The eight-a-side games were played over just two days.
Chris, who played in central midfield, scored Northern Ireland's first goal of the tournament, against Sparta Prague. He also hit the net against Japanese outfit Fukushima in a performance that earned him the player of the match award.
The 11-year-old joined Castlewellan FC at the age of seven before moving to the Glenavon Academy in Lurgan two years later.
Through Glenavon, Chris was picked for the Manchester United Academy and currently trains with it weekly. He also trains with Club NI every Tuesday and Thursday and was selected for the Northern Ireland 05 team after attending trials.
The primary seven pupil at St Mary's Primary School, Aughlisnafin, scores goals with both feet and has a commanding leap and great aerial ability.
His father Ryan is delighted by how his son is progressing and adds Chris's passion for the beautiful game was evident from an early age. "A ball was always Chris's favourite toy from he could barely walk," he added.
Ryan initially coached Chris at home before taking him along to Castlewellan FC, where he became a coach himself.
He attributes his son's success to his enthusiasm and willingness to listen.
"I always ensure the coaching methods I implement, together with the equipment I use, facilitate the skills being developed," Ryan said.
"One unique piece of equipment I was introduced to in 2008 was the Pro Kid device, which was incidentally invented and designed by my father-in-law, Anthony.
"This ingenious invention has merited a prestigious Smart Award, which is a huge endorsement for its problem solving capabilities.
"This unique facility is revolutionary and adds a new dimension to developing and maximising aerial prowess."
