BT National Connections is an ambitious project sponsored by British Telecom in association with the Royal National Theatre (UK). The aim of this scheme is to encourage writers to write new plays for youth theatre. In 1997 and 1999 these plays were performed throughout the UK and Ireland, and a number were selected for viewing in London.

In 1997 WYD brought its production of 'Asleep under the Dark Earth' to Belfast to participate in the BT Regional Partner Showcase.

In 1999 WYD again participated in this scheme and chose a play from a list by a new group of writers including Alan Ayckbourn, Dario Fo and Winsome Pinnock. They chose 'The Pilgrimage' by Paul Goetzee and once again performed the play in Waterford and Belfast.

In May, 1999, 'The Pilgrimage' was the only play produced in the Irish Republic to be chosen to appear in London at the prestigious Olivier Theatre.