The England-v-Republic game at the Stadium of Light will take place on Friday April 18 (kick-off 7pm).

Sunderland’s Stadium of Light has been chosen as a prestigious venue to host an England FAI School Boys’ game against the Republic of Ireland later this year.

The match, in April, is taking place on Wearside as part of Durham County Schools FA’s Centenary celebrations.

England are playing the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Northern Ireland to compete for the Centenary Shield.

And the Republic game will be hosted at the Stadium of Light by Durham County Schools FA, on behalf of the England Schools FA, partly due to Sunderland’s Irish connections.

Chairman Niall Quinn said: “We’re delighted the Stadium of Light has been chosen to host a game which is to celebrate such a milestone”.

“We’re more than happy to support the Centenary celebrations and we will hopefully see a good crowd at our stadium for the match, which may well have some stars of tomorrow on show for both England and the Republic!”

The England-v-Republic game at the Stadium of Light will take place on Friday April 18 (kick-off 7pm).

Tickets for the game cost £5 adults and £2 Under-16s, and are available from Durham County Schools FA representative Phil Cunningham by calling 0191 488 6625, 07729 850082 (mobile), or e-mail: phil.cunningham@talktalk.net. Alternatively, write to: Phil Cunningham, 10 Grasmere Road, Whickham, Newcastle, NE16 4EU.

Tickets will also be on sale from the Stadium of Light ticket office from 10.00am on 17th March 2008