The Ukrainian U-16 national team (players born in 2010 or later) has completed their training camp held in Turkey. During this time, the blue and yellow team participated in an international tournament, playing against the Czechs (3:1) and hosts (1:1).

After returning home, the head coach of our team, Volodymyr Samborskyi, answered questions on the official website of the Ukrainian Football Federation.

— Mr. Volodymyr, what is your summary of the camp in Turkey?

— We managed to accomplish a lot. First of all, we were able to assess the level of players who were available to us compared to those previously called up. Secondly, we conducted very useful matches against strong opponents. Therefore, we are satisfied with this camp. It is also pleasant that all the players tried their best to show themselves; discipline was at its highest level. Perhaps, not everything went well for some individuals, but such things happen; it's necessary to continue working hard and waiting for a call-up to the national team.

— Overall, were there any players from the Ukrainian national team who pleasantly surprised you during the matches?

— Of course, such boys existed, but for now, I won't mention their surnames. When we have our next camp, you will understand whom I had in mind.

— The hero of the second match against Turkey was goalkeeper Arthur Skakun who saved a penalty kick with seconds remaining in the game?

— Arthur performed his duties excellently. He is great, even considering it's his first call-up to the national team, he felt confident. I can only advise him on motivation and psychological resilience, as this will greatly help him in the future.

— You wanted to play on January 31...

— There were supposed to be four teams in this tournament, but due to various reasons, only three teams participated. We exerted a lot of effort to find a sparring partner for us, but it didn't work out. Moreover, several players and coaches from our team fell ill...

— What are the future plans for this national team?

— According to UEFA dates, from March 23 to March 31, we plan to participate in an international tournament that will also be held in Turkey. Apart from the hosts, the Norwegian squad has already confirmed their participation.

Composition of the Ukrainian U-16 national team

Golekeepers: Ihor Galdin («Levante», Spain), Mykhaylo Mykula («Braga», Portugal), Arthur Skakun («Hertha», Germany).

Defenders: Maksym Misyura («Shakhtar» Donetsk), Timur Ugrik, Kostyantyn Kyshlanka (both — «Ruh» Lviv), Mykhaylo Abramovych («Gorytsya», Croatia), Bohdan Begmetiev («Milan», Italy), Yaroslav Kybukovich («OFKIP-Polissia» Kyiv), Kyrylo Savchenko («Haiduk», Croatia).

Midfielders: Illya Birladanu («Shakhtar» Donetsk), Illya Ostrovsky, Denys Gordiienko (both — «Ruh» Lviv), Bohdan Podhorodniy, Myroslav Donik (both — LNZ Chernyshchi), Artem Kovbasiiuk («Kishvarda», Hungary), Danylo Mal'kov («Fortuna», Germany), Bohdan Rudenko («Shlyonsk», Poland).

Forwards: Artem Fedushko, Oleh Dyurinets, Illya Bodak (all — «Ruh» Lviv), Yevhen Shevchenko (LNZ Chernyshchi).

International tournament among U-16 national teams

26.01. Ukraine — Czech Republic — 3:1

28.01. Turkey — Ukraine — 1:1

30.01. Turkey — Czech Republic — 2:1

Final table

It is worth noting that the Ukrainian U-16 national team is preparing for qualification to Euro 2027 (U-17). In the first round, the blue and yellow team has been placed in Group 9, where their opponents will be the teams from Montenegro, Poland, and England. It is already known that the tournament in our group will take place from November 11 to November 17 with England hosting.