FCK U19 team in inaugural Baltic Sea Cup

A new international youth tournament has been established on initiative from the Danish Football Association. The idea is to provide international match training for the best teams who have not qualified for the UEFA Youth League.

The Baltic Sea Cup is for players born in 1997 or later, but you can also use up to four older players, for instance senior players from the first team squad or players on trial from other clubs.

F.C. Copenhagen will play four games this autumn:

• Tuesday 28 August, 3pm in Vanløse Idrætspark, Copenhagen against 1. FC Union Berlin (free entrance)
• Tuesday 25 September away against Hertha BSC
• Tuesday 6 November away against Halmstads BK
• Wednesday 12 December at home against MKS Pogon Szczecin (venue to be decided)

"We are delighted to play in this new tournament, which is perfect for our plans and ambitions," says FC Copenhagen U19-headcoach Brian Riemer.

"We have played in the UEFA Youth League several times, and it has been very valuable for our talents, both on and off the pitch. From the team who played in 2016, players like Mads Roerslev, Carlo Holse and Jonas Wind are already in our first team.

"When we haven't played in the Youth League we have arranged training matches in Europe against teams like Hamburger SV and PSV, so the players can meet new opposition under more unknown conditions and with all the travelling, preparations, restitution etc of a normal European tie.

"We also play different international U19-tournaments like the Mladen Ramljak Cup in Zagreb in August, and these experiences are very important for our young players to take the next step to senior level. I'm sure the Baltic Sea Cup also can help in that direction."