A squad representing Northern Ireland was dispatched to Derry City and Strabane District Council's youth development programme for the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival taking place in Azerbaijan later this month.
The boys' team selected for this historic event includes goalkeepers Luke Bellingham from Ballymena United and Cuan O'Bradaigh of Cliftonville.
In contrast to the youth tournament, the senior women's side faced Portugal in a two-legged play-off for qualification to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers round one.
The match concluded at Portimao Estadio where Portugal held possession throughout most of the contest despite being away from home.
Michael McArdle's Northern Ireland side managed to take an early lead in their own territory before conceding three goals in the second leg.
Kess Elmore netted the single goal for Derry City and Strabane District Council's representative side during her first appearance on the pitch.
Portugal, ranked 22nd in the FIFA Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings, defeated Northern Ireland, who sit at 50th, to win the tie 3-1 on aggregate with a final tally of 7-1 across both fixtures.
The governing body describes this new competition as a development-focused festival rather than a traditional knockout tournament.
Organisers intend for the first edition to serve as a foundation for establishing regular international fixtures, with plans for a girls' tournament commencing next year.
Azerbaijan's selection of the host nation reflects the global governing body's dedication to expanding youth football participation across member associations.