Ireland's Under 19's have begun their preparations for the 2012 Under 19 World Cup in Australia next summer with the first weekend session held at Bready.

The youth selectors have named an initial squad of 25, which will be reduced following the conclusion of the first training phase around Christmas. The training sessions will be held at both Bready and North County.

Cricket Ireland's Strength and Conditioning Coach Brendan Connor carried out fitness tests on the players and their progress will be carefully monitored over the coming months as the build up to Australia gathers momentum.

Under 19 coach Ryan Eagleson took charge of the first session and was helped by Pete Johnston, the Ireland Senior assistant coach and video analyst.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons spoke of the importance of the preparations and the competition next year. "The Under 19 World Cup is a great showcase for the players and Irish cricket. If they guys can perform against the Test playing countries, it'll be a great boost for their ambitions with both Ireland and those that harbour a professional career in the game. I'll be monitoring their preparations closely, and the players know that serious performances in the competition will put them in contention for places in the senior squad."

Ireland manager Brian Walsh outlined the schedule for the squad ahead of next summer: "Cricket Ireland are committing serious resources to the preparations for the Under 19 World Cup, which demonstrates just how important they view the tournament. As well as the indoor preparations, there will be a series of games for the squad between May and July, and also an overseas training camp. Ryan Eagleson will be given every assistance in the build-up with Phil Simmons, Pete Johnston and Brendan Connor all helping."

Ireland have been drawn in the same group as hosts Australia, England and Nepal. The tournament will take place in Brisbane and Townsville late next summer. Ireland finished the 2010 World Cup in New Zealand in 10th place - their best ever result in the competition.

The winter training squad in full is as follows: George Dockrell (Somerset), Ross Adair (Holywood), David Barr (Brigade), Adam Berry (Lisburn), Scott Campbell (Coleraine), Patrick Chase (Malahide), Adam Coughlan (North County), Shane Getkate (North County), R Forrest (Clontarf), Josh Hall (Waringstown), Niall Hodgins (CSNI), Ross Hunter (Donemana), Tyrone Kane (Merrion), Andy McBrine (Donemana), Graeme McCarter (Fox Lodge), Barry McCarthy (Pembroke), Jordan McClurkin (Carrickfergus), Hugh MacDonnell (Leinster), Robert mcKinley (Ballymena), Tomas Murphy (The Hills), Sam Shannon (Instonians), Alistair Shields (North Down), Patrick Tice (Merrion), Jason van der Merwe (Muckamore), Ben Wylie (Instonians).