From October 15 to 21, 2023, the Ukraine youth team (football players born in or after 2007) will play in the qualifying round of Euro-2024 (U-17). According to the results of the draw, which took place on December 8, it was determined that blue-and-yellow will face teams from Germany, Finland, and Liechtenstein (host country).

The prospects for our team next year were discussed by its head coach Volodymyr Yezersky on the official website of the UAF.

"Typically, such opponents as those we drew in the qualifying round draw appear in the decisive stage before entering the final part of Euro, the elite round," said the coach. "Germany needs no introduction—it's a top team in Europe across all age categories. Finland is currently experiencing a football boom with a well-developed vertical system for preparing national teams. Liechtenstein will be hosting next year’s tournament. And despite their level, home turf will motivate them to play with high motivation."

As for us, the key issues are selection and holding training camps with mandatory friendlies, as this Ukraine team has yet to assemble together, while our opponents have already played nearly 10 friendly matches.

However, I understand today's reality. The full-scale youth league is not being held. Many promising players of the required age are scattered across Europe. Therefore, only selection camps will give us the best chance to prepare for the qualifying round. If we manage to do this, then Ukraine’s team can and should achieve its goal.

Qualifying Group Composition for Euro-2024 (U-17)

Group 1: Denmark, Austria, Georgia, Lithuania.

Group 2: Sweden, Poland, Latvia, Moldova.

Group 3: Germany, Ukraine, Finland, Liechtenstein.

Group 4: Serbia, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Azerbaijan.

Group 5: Portugal, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Albania.

Group 6: France, Norway, Romania, Estonia.

Group 7: Turkey, Scotland, Belarus, Kazakhstan.

Group 8: Spain, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Malta.

Group 9: England, Croatia, Kosovo, Faroe Islands.

Group 10: Ireland, Switzerland, Iceland, Armenia.

Group 11: Italy, Greece, Northern Ireland, San Marino.

Group 12: Belgium, Israel, Wales, Gibraltar.

Group 13: Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Andorra.

Mini-tournaments at this stage will take place from July 1 to November 21, 2023. Winners of the first two places in each qualifying group and five best third-place finishers based on results against the top two teams will advance to the elite round.

We remind you that Cyprus received a direct entry into the final stage as hosts, while the Netherlands team will start competing from the elite round of qualification.