DELEGATES AMONG THE General Assembly of the Football Association of Ireland have voted in favour of a switch to an aligned, calendar season, in what marks a major change for the organisation of the sport in Ireland.
Delegates tonight voted to adopt a key recommendation of the organisation’s Football Pathways Plan, which will see the youth and amateur elements of the game switch to a calendar season, in line with the League of Ireland season.
The vote needed a simple majority to pass, and it was adopted with a 57% majority at a hybrid meeting in Blanchardstown this evening.
Turnout was strong among the 135-member assembly: there were 132 votes cast with 74 in favour and 56 against.
Ireland are currently the only one of Uefa’s 55 member nations to run different calendars for different parts of the game.
Its implementation will occur on a phased basis. Five-12 year old age groups will switch in 2026, along with the FAI’s national competitions, such as the Junior and Intermediate Cup. Thirteen-16 year olds will move to a calendar season in 2027, with all youth and adult amateur leagues moving in 2028.
“This is a really significant day for Irish football as we come together to improve the game for every player, coach, volunteer, supporter and affiliate”, said president Paul Cooke.
“The FAI Board and staff will now take time to digest tonight’s meeting and the positive result. We welcome this decision and look forward to activating the phased implementation of the aligned football calendar. We take on board and respect all the views expressed both for and against the resolution here this evening. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank all those who worked on the Aligned Football Calendar to get us to this stage and also all who contributed to the debate over the last year.”
The vote is a significant endorsement of the Association’s player pathways plan, which is led by chief football officer, Marc Canham.
“Tonight’s vote is a green light for progress but the hard work starts here for all of us”, said Canham.
“We acknowledge all the views expressed, both at the meeting tonight and at our engagements all across the country in recent times, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders over the next four years to bring the Aligned Football Calendar into effect by 2028 for the benefit of all who participate in Irish football and most importantly for current and future generations of players at all levels. Tonight’s vote is a vote for change and a vote for progress and a result Irish football can be proud of across our game.”
“Our grassroots game continues to grow thanks to the tireless work of our volunteers, and tonight’s outcome provides us with the roadmap to create the right pathways for all involved in our game”, added FAI grassroots director, Ger McDermott.
“The result only reinforces our commitment to continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver more football, more often, with more variety for all our players, from the youngest to the oldest. We will continue to develop an achievable plan that offers progression and a pathway for all our clubs to enable them to realise their own ambitions within a pyramid system. I look forward to working with our volunteers within the adult amateur and professional and the children’s game to implement our plan as we look to a new future for Irish football.”
This demonstrates ambition from the FAI. Modernising the calendar without looking over the neighbours wall. More please.
I’m not clear on what the benefit of having everything running in parallel is? Why does the Kerry u/11 season need to coincide with the League of Ireland?
If all football is to be in line with the League of Ireland, does that mean the middle of February to the end of October?
As football is the largest youth participation sport in Ireland, are they not inviting GAA and rugby to make a play for these kids? And this goes through summer holidays etc it might make football less appealing.
Eg: play GAA and you’ll get the kids out of the house most of the year through the normal season and Cúl Camps.
@Gavin Healy: Not much Gaa played in winter anyway, effectively football and gaa vie for the same players anyway.
Generally the two codes work together until a certain age. Then as it gets serious kids have to choose.
@Gavin Healy: rugby is a winter sport, so it wouldn’t be affected them. Soccer will now run the same season as the GAA but GAA is played nearly all year round anyways
Makes Sense
@Caolan Z: a lot of kids will focus on the GAA only now and they’d be right. Maybe some will play a bit of rugby to keep fit in the winter.
@Michael Corkery: and a lot of kids will now play football during the good months will plenty of sun and on grass…good day for football
@Kevin Bury: yes, Gaelic football
@Michael Corkery: Can I ask how will the kids be right ? In your words?
Would the whole argument about having to make them chose be more important!
@Michael Corkery: i get it , u love gaa… kids playing soccer over summer season is a good thing and if kids want to play gaa instead, good for them….their choice
@Kevin Bury: Have a think about the vast majority of counties where basically the same sets of players represent both football and gaa for local clubs from 6 years of age upwards. Are they going to have to choose which sport to play now at far too young an age? Football exists outside of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. The population of many towns and villages couldn’t sustain teams in both sports working alongside each other.
@Caolan Z: does and doesn’t, good luck dealing with missing players for crucial games due to summer vacations…
@Tom Con: my son plays gaa and soccer…..one game sat , another sun….they should be able to co-exist up to certain age….
@Tom Con: if you’re name-checking the cities, you left out Waterford.
Won’t miss lining the pitches in the winter.
Rural areas will struggle to field teams.
That being said the days of the gaa boys only being available for 6 games a season and leaving teams down when the Gaa kicks off again! I would not miss that part when coaching. Those that like football will play football and those that like Gaa will play Gaa. When a player is good the Gaa will tell them pick one or go! Ultimately the Gaa force the kids out of football.
@J F: Totally agree mate
Well over due, the GAA will be an issue but good for young players to play both. As for the rugby it does not come near the popularity or participation as GAA or soccer.
The grassroots game evolves and progresses thanks to volunteers, and despite the FAI and politicians.