It might be flying a little bit under the radar, but the FIFA U20 World Cup is currently taking place in New Zealand.
Kicking off three days ago, 24 teams will vie for a title won by a France side featuring the likes of Paul Pogba, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Florian Thauvin and Kurt Zouma two summers ago. And did I mention Pogba was in that squad!
From a South American perspective, BBC South American football correspondent and regular Off The Ball contributor Tim Vickery often cites the importance of these tournaments for spotting the next big thing on the continent he works from.
When you consider that Ireland will have no players under the age of 23 in next season's Premier League, it's poignant to think that we used to qualify for these global underage tournaments at one time.
As it stands, there will be no Irish born players under the age of 23 starting next season as first team Premier League players.
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) May 24, 2015
In 1997 and 1999 under Brian Kerr, Ireland qualifed with future international stalwarts like Robbie Keane, Damien Duff, Richie Sadlier, Gary Doherty and one-time Leeds midfielder Stephen McPhail.
Indeed the Boys in Green finished in a brilliant third place at Malaysia '97. The '99 crop also did quite well by reaching the knockout stages, only losing to hosts Nigeria on penalties in the last-16.
The '99 Ireland team featuring (L-R Back Row) Barry Quinn, goalkeeper Dean Delaney, Richard Sadlier, Gary Doherty, Jason Gavin. (L-R Front Row) Stephen McPhail, Thomas Heary,Robbie Keane, Ger Crossley, Keith Doyle, and Damien Duff ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
The last time we qualified was in 2003 via the U19 European Championships, with a squad featuring future Premier League and/or Ireland caps Stephen Kelly, Kevin Doyle, Willo Flood, Glenn Whelan and Keith Fahey.
Again, they did themselves proud by reaching topping their group and only losing out to Colombia in the next knockout stage.
Robbie Keane shows his disappointment after losing to Nigeria on penalties ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
But clearly something has gone wrong along the way. Of course as one of Europe's least populated nations, qualifying for such tournaments is not something that can be done all the time, but undoubtedly playing in such tournaments helps development and provides valuable experience.
Barry Quinn gives Damien Duff a hair cut in '99 ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan
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