This is a notice from FAI Grassroots Department

As we near an eagerly awaited return to train for all players under the age of 18, we would like to invite ONE COVID-19 Compliance Officer from every club to an information webinar taking place next week.

IDSDP held every April, 6 aims at recognizing the contribution sports can make to people's lives.

This year, we interviewed Mark Clohessy, the league's ETP Director of Football. We spoke about the importance of sports for society; how the pandemic has affected sports, and much more.

When asked about the importance of sports for society, he says: The role of sports in society cannot be underestimated especially in today's society. Sports provide a sense of community to all, and the inclusiveness sport brings can only benefit society as a whole.

Knowing that the pandemic has affected our lives in an immeasurable dimension, he observes "With no sports being played during this pandemic, it has taken a huge toll on the physical and mental well being of all society and not just children.

With that in mind, we are hopefully closer to a return to sport as we know it, and teams, managers, and individuals can pull together to help any person that has been affected by this pandemic."

The league's ETP Director of Football also remembered why days like today are so important in our lives: This day is an important celebration of all that is good in Sports. As we all know, Sport has the power to drive social change, community-personal development, and well being. So, for the UN to promote this day and all sporting organizations to get behind it will be phenomenal especially in the times that we are living in now.

We know people are living in very challenging times, but our team is here to support you. STAY SAFE

The Football Association of Ireland notes confirmation from Government that underage football, Grassroots and League of Ireland, can return to non-contact training from April 26th , the first step on a phased return for football at all levels of the game.

All amateur adult teams that this return for underage players is the first step towards a return to football for all grassroots players as Ireland eases out of lockdown.

The FAI will now take the following steps in light of the Government update:

- We will update the FAI’s Safer Return to Training protocols for our underage teams and players.

- We will host a COVID-19 webinar for all Grassroots Leagues and affiliates on April 12th.

- We will follow this with regional workshops for Club COVID-19 Compliance Officers during which we will present and discuss our latest protocols in detail.

- We will review where we stand with all affiliates in relation to all Leagues and Competitions and agree next steps as soon as is possible.

- We will consult with the SFAI on the hosting of the Kennedy Cup and the Gaynor Cup tournaments later this year.

- We will consult with all Men’s and Women’s Underage National League clubs on their return to training schedule and next steps.

In Sunday's Irish Times, Emmet Malone speaks about DDSL's partnership with Childline. We remind everybody that help continues to be available with issues such as loneliness and domestic abuse.

You can read the full article by Clicking Here

Childline is available to any child and young person up to the age of 18. It can be contacted online at childline.ie, by calling 1800 666 666, by texting to 50101 or through social media (Instagram: @ispcc_childline, Facebook: ISPCC Childline, Twitter: @ISPCCChildline)

The Executive Football Committee Dublin & District Schoolboys’/Girls’ League are pleased to announce the launch of the “LET’S GET THE KIDS BACK PLAYING” initiative.

As we approach the Festive Season there are reasons for optimism and hope that the Country is turning the corner and we can look forward to 2021. The phrase most used by those of us involved with Schoolboy Football since matches were suspended in September is “Let’s get the Kids back playing”

This is indeed our primary goal.

Restrictions

We are hopeful that a return to Level 3 restrictions will enable ALL CHILDREN to return to playing football.

THE DDSL 2020/2021 SEASON WILL RECOMMENCE ON WEEKEND 23rd/24th JANUARY 2021. (PROVIDED RESTRICTIONS ALLOW).

The Childline team has released a new video for children and young people to let you know all about how Childline works.

In the video, Louise and Jackie from the Childline Listening Service share an introduction to our online chat, phone and text services.

Find out:

How Childline can support you, if you would like to contact us

What children and young people talk about with Childline – anything!

Why Childline focuses on strengthening resilience

To see more information as well as many more useful articles, please Click Here

Please note that we have set up a new official Facebook page for the league:

Dublin & District Schoolboys/Girls League - please visit and like the page, more social media outlets to follow.

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the passing of a True Legend of Irish Schoolboys' Football - Fran Ray. We remember him for the great stories and his extraordinary memory of players that passed through his beloved DDSL and indeed from around the country.

Our memories are what we have of him today, and my memories of Fran will never fade.

Frans family, are missing a husband, a father and grandfather today on the 1st anniversary of his passing and they are in our thoughts and prayers today.

The DDSL are remembering him in their own way at this time, our former Honorary Secretary, forever Honorary Life President of the Dublin & District Schoolboy’s League, former SFAI Chairman, and Lifetime FAI member.

On behalf of his football family, Fran has passed on - he will never be forgotten.

Rest Easy Old Friend.

IT HAS COME TO THE LEAGUE’S ATTENTION THAT A NUMBER OF CLUBS HAVE ARRANGED IN HOUSE FRIENDLIES.

UNDER LEVEL 3 GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS NO MATCHES CAN TAKE PLACE.

THIS INCLUDES IN HOUSE FRIENDLIES.

Following the Government’s introduction of Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions across the country, the Football Association of Ireland announces the cessation from midnight tonight of all Adult Amateur and Underage football matches with the exception of elite football - namely the SSE Airtricity League, the Women’s National League and all five underage National Leagues.

Adult amateur and non-elite Underage clubs can continue to train under non-contact conditions as per the Government Guidelines outlined in the ‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021 – Plan for Living with COVID-19’ programme and in conjunction with the updated FAI Safer Return to Training Protocol.

Coaches and players are not permitted to leave their resident county for training with adult amateur and non-elite underage teams.

The FAI will continue to monitor Government guidelines and will update this cessation order as required.

The updated FAI Safer Return to Train Protocol can be viewed by Clicking Here

Please see the below the link to the DDSL draws for the SFAI Skechers National Cups 2020/2021.

The age groups are on tabs at the bottom of the webpage. The opening weekend is scheduled for 17th/18th October, however, this is pending COVID-19 restrictions.

To see the full draw, please Click Here

Congratulations to Newlands/Castlepark FC on becoming the first Club from the DDSL to achieve the FAI Club Mark One Star Award.

A fantastic achievement, well done to all.

Set up in early 2018, the FAI Club Mark has seen over 40 clubs earn the Entry Level award with almost an additional 300 clubs in the process of reaching the standard.

Six pilot clubs who previously earned the Entry Level award, moved on to the One Star Level, and are now seen as FAI Development Centres.

Newlands/Castle Park FC's journey started back in 2016 with the amalgamation of Newlands Celtic & Castle Park FC with the setup of their Schoolboys/Girls and Academy soon after. This set them on their path to the FAI Club Mark Entry Level and now their One Star Journey. You can read that incredible journey by Clicking Here

Drumcondra FC U12 Saturday are looking for players. If interested, contact details are below:

Manager - Stephen Grimes

Contact Number: 0871365182

Training takes place on Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm to 7.30pm in Clonturk Park.

We are currently recruiting new coaches to work on our Boys and Girls Emerging Talent Programme with our representative squads,

If you have a desire to work with the DDSL and develop young players and enhance you’re coaching ability

Following the introduction of Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions in Dublin, the Football Association of Ireland announces the cessation, from midnight tonight, of all Adult Amateur and Underage football matches in Dublin, with the exception of elite football - namely the SSE Airtricity League, Women’s National League and all five underage National Leagues.

18th Sep 2020

Furthermore, any coach or player resident in Dublin but involved with an Adult Amateur or non-elite Underage club outside of the county is not permitted to travel outside Dublin for any football activity.

Adult amateur and non-elite Underage clubs in Dublin can continue to train under the conditions laid out in the updated FAI Safer Return to Training Protocol issued on Thursday Click Here to see details.

The FAI will continue to monitor Government guidelines for Dublin and will update this cessation order as required.

DDSL Match Day 2 fixtures: Weekend of September 19th/20th 2020.

Saturday 19 September 2020 (10.15) unless stated:

8 Sat Red :

St Joseph's Boys v Ballyoulster Utd, Pearse Park;

Templeogue Utd v Lucan Utd, Tymon Park, 10.30;

The SFAI Skechers National Cups 2020/21 online entry system has now opened, and will remain open until 30th September 2020.

Supported by Sportlomo, the online system allows clubs to enter multiple teams across the five age groups.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the start date for the competition will be later than in previous years – with the opening weekend being fixed for October 17th/18th 2020.

A full calendar of dates will be issued to all league secretaries in the coming weeks.

Clubs wishing to enter can do so by Clicking Here

Dear Club Secretary:

I hope you and all involved with your clubs are safe and well during these difficult times for everyone.

As the start of the new football season is imminent, I would like to thank each and every one of you for the time and patience you have shown over the past 6 months, and for adhering to the many protocols and guidelines issued.

There are many things we once knew as normal not so long ago that have changed. These changes now present new challenges to every club. Whether your club is seen as big, small or somewhere in between, all will have new challenges to overcome to enable football to resume on Saturday 12th September 2020.

While there are many difficulties we have to overcome, the guiding principle followed by the league has and will remain until this virus is overcome, “the health and safety of everyone involved in the game of football in the DDSL”

In the best interest of our clubs, all guidelines/protocols from the HSE/NPHET & the FAI were issued by the DDSL to our clubs.

Saturday 12 September 2020 (10.15) unless stated:

8 Sat Red :

Lucan Utd v Peamount Utd, Airlie Heights;

Ardmore Rovers v Templeogue Utd, St Killian's, Bray;

11Sat B

Malahide Utd, Idle;

Crumlin Utd v St Mochtas, Willie Pearse Park, Referee: Daly Ned;:

Belmont FC v Templeogue Utd, Herbert Park;

As we approach the start of the 2020/2021 Season commencing weekend 12th/13th September I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our Clubs the very best in these uncertain and challenging times.

There are in excess of 950 games scheduled. An amazing statistic and a credit to the commitment of our Clubs and all our stakeholders.

The dates set out below are of course subject to any and all guidelines issued by the HSE & NPHET.

We ask all Clubs to comply with the protocols already in place from the FAI, to ensure as far as is possible the safety and wellbeing of all our stakeholders.

Please stay safe as we start the new season, we hope everyone can enjoy the game we all love.

As a mark of respect and remembrance we ask all Clubs to observe a minutes silence for all those that are suffering or have succumbed to this dreadful virus prior to the kick off in the first matches of the new Season.

Please take care, stay safe and enjoy the football.

For and on behalf,

ALL STAFF,

Dublin & District Schoolboys’/Girls’ League.

Under 17 major team playing in the DDSL are looking for a Goalkeeper

Please see link below to download entry form for 2020/21 LFA YOUTH CUP

Entries must be received by September 25th

To download the form, please Click Here

All enquires to address below.

⭐️ DDSL PREMIER FOOTBALL

Our Castleknock Celtic Premier 07s (U14s) squad is still not complete.

Thank you for your interest in attending today’s webinar. Hopefully you were able to attend and gained some useful information for the preparation of your application.

Further down are the links to the slides from today’s webinar for reference in completing your application form.

Please be aware of the Application Deadline: Sept 2nd 5:00pm. No late applications will be accepted.

To get to the application form Click Here

If you have any questions on the application, webinar or information regarding the process please contact us here at CovidFundingSupport@fai.ie and we will get back as soon as possible.

Thank you for completing the Expression of Interest for the Covid Funding Support Scheme from the FAI & Sport Ireland.

We would like to share an invitation with you for a Webinar hosted by the FAI regarding the application process for Clubs applying into this funding scheme. Please see below information on the Webinar as well as a link to the online event.

Subject: FAI Webinar - Covid Funding Support Application

Date: Friday August 28th 2020 - Time: 3:00pm

CLICK HERE TO ATTEND WEBINAR

(Link will not be active until Friday 28th Aug)

Dear Club Secretary,

Please see the link below to the DDSL FAInet guide for the 2020/21 season. This will guide each club administrator through each step of the process for player registrations. All players need to be assigned to squads and registration forms uploaded in line with FAI Rule 2 Part C to be eligible for competition.

The new female age groups are available to be selected so please begin registering your girls' squads on FAInet asap.

To view or download the guide, please Click Here

Castleknock Celtic Under 18 DDSL Major side are looking for a goalkeeper,

Phone or text 083 4111721

The Football Association of Ireland notes the Government announcement today of new restrictions on indoor and outdoor events as the country continues the fight against COVID-19 and we acknowledge the part that our sport can play in this ongoing battle.

The FAI informs all affiliates of the following directives, effective from midnight tonight until further notice:

- The SSE Airtricity League and Women’s National League will continue behind closed doors

- Adult Amateur and Underage Football - including underage National Leagues - will continue, subject to updated Government and FAI guidelines

Castleknock Celtic require a goalkeeper for their under 17 Major Sunday team.

Phone or text: 087 3924847

The Football Association of Ireland is inviting affiliated clubs to complete Expression of Interest forms for the recently announced Government funding to be made available to sports clubs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding is available through a Sport Ireland grant scheme designed in consultation with the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht. These grants are part of a €70million package of new funding announced by Government for National Governing Bodies of Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and sports clubs affected by COVID-19.

The Application process, along with relevant Terms & Conditions and eligibility criteria, will be outlined in the coming days and made available to all FAI affiliated clubs with the applications to be made to Sport Ireland by the FAI on behalf of the affiliates.

REGISTRATION FOR 2020/2021 SEASON WILL CLOSE SAT 15TH AUGUST.(APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE).

FAILURE TO REGISTER BY THE REQUIRED DATE MAY DELAY THE START DATE 12/13TH SEPTEMBER.

The FAI has confirmed to the League that the players’ levy for the small sided game, U/8 to U/11 inclusive, no longer applies.

The registration system has been amended to reflect this change. For clubs who have registered to date, a refund of the levy will issue shortly”

Paul McEvoy,

Hon Treasurer.

TO ALL DDSL CLUB SECRETARIES.

REGISTRATIONS FOR THE 2020/2021 SEASON ARE NOW OPEN THROUGH THE CLUBFORCE LINK ON THE DDSL WEBSITE.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE SAT 15TH AUGUST (APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE WILL BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.

FORMATIONS FOR 2020/2021 SEASON WILL BE ISSUED TO ALL CLUBS BY EMAIL WEEK ENDING FRIDAY 21ST AUGUST

2020/2021 SEASON WILL COMMENCE WEEKEND 12/13TH SEPTEMBER FOR ALL AGE GROUPS.

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION FOR REGISTRATION PROCESS.

Small sided game U8-U11. Sat & Sun.

There are No changes to the Divisional formats U8-U11 for Sat & Sun 2019/2020.

To all DDSL Club Secretaries,

Please see FAI Safer Return to Play Protocol FAQ issued by the FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND.

To view the full pdf document, please Click Here

To all DDSL Club Secretaries,

Please see Tournament Hosting Guidelines issued by the FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND.

To view the full pdf document, please Click Here

Please note the required documentation should be submitted along with the official FAI Permission form to:

TO ALL DDSL CLUB SECRETARIES

Dear Secretary,

I am pleased to advise that registration for the new season is now open for all clubs. When registering please note the following:

- The detail required for each team is the same as last year

- The League is also accepting registrations for girls’ teams in the U/8, U/9, U/10, U/11,U/12 and U13 age groups

[B]TO ALL DDSL CLUB SECRETARIES

I refer to previous notice (below) regarding the playing of friendly matches.

Please be advised,

All requests for League approval to play friendly matches must be submitted by the registered Club Secretary. Approval will be granted by return email.

Note : Requests for approval by other parties will not be considered.

Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

To All DDSL Club Secretaries.

The Dublin and District Schoolboys/Girls’ League (DDSL) are pleased to announce that applications for the forthcoming 2020/2021 season will be open online later this week. (FURTHER NOTICE WILL ISSUE TO CLUB SECRETARIES).

This season the DDSL will be running U8s to U11s (non-competitive) and U12s to U13s (competitive) competitions and new clubs/teams are welcome.

Our aim is to facilitate the continued growth in girls football and invest in the future of the sport.

Referees are an integral part of football and we must ensure that we are well prepared prior to our return to play. This ‘Safer Return To Play - Match Day Protocol’ provides guidance and direction to match officials on how to manage the administration and the refereeing of games. The ‘Laws of the Game’ provide referees with all the necessary authority to deal with all on-field issues, whilst other matters should be reported to the leagues who run the competitions.

The primary aim of this protocol is to minimise risk of transmission of the COVID-19 virus to as low a level as possible. The principles of risk mitigation are identical for training and for refereeing. To view and download the full pdf document, please Click Here

Willows U16 Premier 2 are looking for players born in 2005. They are particularly looking for a winger but all positions are welcome. Contact Aidan 085 2807176

SAFETY FIRST ON RETURN

All you need to know to prepare for a safe return to training with expert advice, detailed guidelines and recommended coaching practices.

To view and download the full pdf document from the FAI website please Click Here

With INTERSPORT Elverys FAI Summer Soccer Schools getting set to return, applications are open to coach on this year’s programme.

If you wish get involved, please Click Here

Republic of Ireland Under-15 Head Coach Jason Donohue is joined by assistant coaches Will Doyle & Sean St Ledger to break down the tactical analysis of their opposition.

Learn how to build up play from the goalkeeper & create overloads in central areas to penetrate through the thirds.

To view and download the full pdf document from the FAI website please Click Here