Sri Lanka Under-16 Ministerial Football Team to Tour China for Invitational Tournament

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), under the initiative and guidance of the Hon. Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sunil Kumara Gamage, has announced that a combined Sri Lanka Under-16 Youth Football Team will take part in an Invitational Tournament in Lijiang, China, from 20 to 28 September 2025.

This special initiative is aimed at strengthening the country’s football development by supporting registered football academies affiliated with the FFSL, while also providing valuable international exposure to promising young players. The preparations for the tour are being coordinated by FFSL in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka.

Player Selection Process

Talented young footballers will be selected from:

1. Registered football academies under FFSL.
2. Division 1 Football Schools – 20 schools that took part in the FFSL/Sri Lanka Schools Competition 2024/2025.
3. The top 20 international schools registered with FFSL for football competitions.

FFSL will directly contact the eligible schools and academies to nominate players for the upcoming selection trials.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Group: Under-16
• Date of Birth: Between 1 January 2009 and 31 December 2010

Selection Trials

The trials will be held in Colombo on 20, 21 and 22 August 2025, with FFSL overseeing the process.

Tournament Details

• Dates: 20 – 28 September 2025
• Venue: Lijiang, China

The initiative marks a significant step in nurturing youth football in Sri Lanka by exposing players to international standards and competition, paving the way for the future of the sport in the country.