The competition, sponsored by soft drinks company Pepsi, will feature the Under 17 talent from England, Portugal, Italy and Russia – and will span three days of action at Priestfield Stadium.
Priestfield 'International' Stadium
The press release from the Football Association states the tournament, which will take place on Wednesday 1st, Friday 3rd and Sunday 5th September 2004 at the home of Gillingham FC, will showcase the talented youngsters of all four competing nations during two games on each of the three days of competition.
Winners of last year’s tournament, Portugal, will open the proceedings against Russia on Wednesday, kick-off 4.00pm, before England take on Italy (kick-off 8.00pm) for their curtain raiser.
England will then go on to face Russia on 3rd September (kick-off 8.00pm), before bringing the tournament to an end against Portugal on Sunday 5th September, kick-off 3.30pm.
Italy will play Portugal during Friday’s competition (kick-off 4.00pm) and Russia v Italy (12.00pm) will precede the England game on the final day of the tournament.
The Under 17 European Championships are due next year and England will be looking for a strong performance at this tournament to kick-start their qualification campaign.
England Under 17 Team Manager, John Peacock said: "This tournament will provide an excellent platform for our talented youngsters and they will pick up some valuable experience ahead of next year’s European Championships.
"The last time we took the England Under 17 squad to Gillingham it was a great success I’m happy to be heading back there for this tournament.
"I hope the local fans will come out in force and support England’s young players and I hope the team will respond to them with some positive results."
Gillingham FC chairman Paul Scally, added: "It’s fantastic that the Football Association has chosen Gillingham to hold another Youth International Tournament and we’re hoping for a big crowd down at Priestfield to cheer on the lads to victory."