The team first played at this level in 2007 when entering the International Challenge Trophy for national semi-professional Under-23 sides, though previously the Northern Ireland Under-23 team offered a recognised stepping stone for all young players hoping to progress to the full Northern Ireland side.

The original Northern Ireland Under-23 side played a total of ten matches, all but three in the 1960s.

[1] Players to have stepped up from the Under-23 side to full international level include Pat Jennings, Bryan Hamilton, Neil Lennon and Sammy Clingan.

The Irish FA announced on 2 October 2007 that they would be entering a side in the International Challenge Trophy.

On both occasions Northern Ireland failed to make it beyond the group stage, and have not entered a team since.