Newcastle's teens head to Italy

Having confirmed their fixtures for the U-17 tournament for the 65th Torneo da Viareggio, the Toon teens are now heading to Tuscany for the annual youth tournament in the Luccaprovince of Italy (near Pisa), which kicks off on Monday (Feb 11th) and ends a fortnight later.

Adam Campbell, part of the U-17′s is the youngest player to play for Newcastle in European competitions.

48 teams from 23 nations are taking part this year, with the Magpies being the sole representatives from England. Newcastle United’s opponents in the tournament in the initial group stages will be AC Milan, Empoli and a meeting with a Congo U17 representative side.

This will be the third time that a Newcastle team would be represented in the tournament. On the first occasion United lost at the quarter final stage to Inter Milan, while on the second occasion they bowed out at the group stages itself.

The tournament offers an invaluable experience to youngsters to get to know different styles and get to know continental football. Hopefully some of these youngsters can come through and represent United at senior level in the coming years.

The schedule for the tournament is as follows:

Tue 12.02.2013 AC Milan, San Giuliano Terme,

Tue 14.02.2013 Congo, Strettoia, 3pm

Sat 16.02.2013 Empoli, San Giuliano Terme

Tues 19.02.2013 Round of Sixteen

Thu 21.02.2013 Quarter Finals

Sat 23.02.2013 Semi Finals

Mon 25.02.2013 Final