Important Notice – Games off

Following a serious ‘Orange’ weather warning issued for this weekend by Met Eireann – The DDSL have decided to call off all DDSL League fixtures this weekend.

 

However, please note the FAI/LFA/SFAI cups are not included as these fixtures at present are still going ahead. As clubs are aware there is a ‘Back-Log’ of fixtures within these competitions & therefore we are hoping these fixtures will be played allowing for more League fixtures to be played before the end of the 1st half of the season….which finishes on the weekend of the 12th/13rd/14th Dec 2025.

 

This may result in clubs looking to source new Venues/Astro in order to have these FAI/LFA/SFAI Cups played.

 

All County Council pitches are unplayable for this weekend & therefore the majority of our League fixtures will not be played this weekend.

 

The fixtures for the following weekend will be published as normal on the DDSL website – The fixtures scheduled for this weekend i.e. 14th/15th/16th Nov will now be re-scheduled for the weekend of November 28/29/30th

 

For those FAI/LFA/SFAI games been played this weekend, please ensure to contact your opposition & Referee today to ensure all parties are aware of the venue/time etc for this weekend. Once these games are played, please forward results ASAP to results@ddsl.ie & the relevant DDSL Fixture Secretaries

 

As always, the safety of all our players/coaches/parents etc is paramount & therefore if weather conditions deteriorate worse than expected…clubs/referees will need to further inspect pitches etc

DDSL Volunteer of the Year Awards

DDSL Volunteer of the Year Awards! ⚽️🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️

Nominate your hero! Dublin’s Q102 are proudly supporting DDSL to celebrate the unsung volunteers who are the very lifeblood of football across Dublin.

From dedicated Coaches and Club Secretaries to Groundskeepers and Referees, whose tireless efforts ensure thousands of children can play every single week! Every volunteer deserves recognition for the passion they bring to the DDSL.

NOMINATE YOUR HERO NOW! Give them the recognition they deserve by heading to www.Q102.ie/awards or heading to the link in our bio!

The closing date for nominations is November 21st. Winners will be picked by the DDSL.Note: We will only contact you via our verified accounts!

#DDSL #VolunteerAwards #Q102 #GrassrootsFootball #Nominate

DDSL Updates November

DDSL UPDATES:

DDSL CLOSING/OPENING DATES:

  • The closing date for all fixtures including SSG will be Fri/Sat/Sun 12th/13th/14thDecember.
  • We await the update from the different County Councils on their opening of their ‘Parks/Pitches’. Once we are notified on these dates, we will confirm the dates for the different Age groups to return with fixtures in the New Year…for the 2nd half of the season
  • We will be encouraging all clubs to continue to play ‘Competitive Games’ during the break due to the weather in the last few weeks. Cup games will be the focus and clubs with facilities are encouraged to play as much as possible. All games must be approved by the league secretaries in advance.

 

SILENT/SIDELINES

  • As there continues to be more Disciplinary Issues relating to ‘Sideline Behaviour’ we will be introducing dates for all clubs to follow our ‘Silent Sideline’ initiative. In the past this has worked very well & thank you to the clubs for observing this.
  • Dates for ‘Silent Sideline’ to be observed
  • 2025: Weekend of; NOV 29th/30th; DEC 13th/14th
  • 2026: Weekend of: JAN 24th/25th; FEB 7th/8th ; 21st/22nd; MARCH 14th/15th; 28th/29th; APRIL 18th/19th; All of MAY
  • All clubs are expected to enforce and promotes these activities to create the right environment that all players deserve

DDSL CUP FINALS DATES:

  • The DDSL Cup Finals will be held in the AUL Complex again this season. However, for season 2025/2026 there will be 2x weekends where the Cup finals will be played as the number of Cup Finals continues to increase
  • Dates: Weekends: May 16th/17th & 23rd/24th.
  • There will be 2x Sets of Cups Final Times each day. This will help with the managing of the event/car parking
  • A schedule of all finals will be issued in the coming weeks and as in previous years cancelations will not be permitted.

 

RETURNED LEAGUE & CUP FINAL CUPS

  • As you are aware, all Cups were due to be returned by the 31st October 2025. Thank you to those close clubs who have returned their Cups.
  • There are 239 Cups in total to be returned & as of now…more than half of the CUPS have yet to be returned.
  • As stated on our initial e-mail re ‘Returned Cups’ we will begin to issue fines to clubs for failure to return the Cups ASAP
  • If myself or any other DDSL official are not present in the DDSL offices in Abbotstown….Cups can be left at the FAI Reception where we have a ‘DDSL Registration Returned Cup’ sheet to be completed on returning the Cups. Their office hours are strictly 9.30am to 1pm & 2pm to 4.30pm. The Cups can also be returned to ‘FAI Security’/Reception’ from 5.30pm to 8.30pm Monday’s/Thursdays only.
  • Clubs not returning cups on or before 1st December will be subject to weekly fines as per the DDSL rule book….you have been told!

TRANSFER WINDOW 2026:

  • Please see attached the FAI Winter Transfer Dates. Players at all ages can transfer from the 1st January to the 28th January 2026. NOTE : There will be no ‘Transfers’ allowed after the official closing Transfer Window date of the 28th Jan 2026.
  • Please note …as per our DDSL Rule Book….players are not allowed to play ‘Across their Own Age Group’ This also applies to the SSG. E.g. u9-1 Sat player cannot play Sun u9-4 etc. We have received a number of reports where players in the SSG are playing both Sat & Sun for the same club & age group….resulting in other players on the Sunday team not been allocating the proper minimum ’Playing Times’ Please ensure all your manager/coaches are updated on these issues/rules.
  • Clubs are reminded to check all panels to ensure all your players are registered. The league (as last year)will undertake an audit of all clubs & Teams over the coming weeks on registration numbers.We will also be auditing match cards to ensure compliance and to ensure evey child is insured and protected while playing in the DDSL.
  • Please be aware of the consequences of unregistered players which is detailed the Rules

SSG SURVEYS

  • As normal there will be the normal Re-grading for the SSG Divisions/Teams which will depend mainly on the Surveys for u8’s/u9’s…..u10’s (Plus Results Received). The u11’s will be based on Results/Requests only.
  • We will issue these Surveys for u8’s to u10’s for Boys/Girls in late November. Teams/coaches not completing these ‘Survey Forms….will not be included in any re-grading process.

RESULTS

  • There ae still a good number of results not been returned. If you are one of these clubs, please ensure your results are returned to results@ddsl.ie every week & cc’d to the relevant DDSL Fixture Secretaries as it is creating more work for our ‘Fixture Secretaries’ chasing up results.
  • Where Cup Games are played…please have these results returned ASAP as future fixtures will need to be changed taking into account the Winners etc.
  • Where your games are postponed….we still need to know if the game was not played otherwise, we are chasing clubs to confirm whether the games were played etc
  • For All Secretaries…please have your managers of each team…along with yourself…. To check all your results to ensure the results are correct. As we enter the 2nd half of the season, the results published will be the results recorded entering into the 2nd half of the season. Therefore, if there are any results incorrect, you must contact results@ddsl.ie & the relevant fixture Secretary ASAP  to investigate. All these queries must be completed before the 2nd half of the season otherwise the results recorded will remain in place.

FOOTBALL FOR ALL

  • We now have up to 20 DDSL Clubs with 35+ teams & up to 250+ players.
  • For those existing clubs, please ensure your players are registered with the DDSL as we want all players to be part of the DDSL & covered by Insurance. Previous details were already forwarded to all clubs. Any issues, let me know
  • For any Clubs, looking to set up a ‘Football for All’ section…please contact me at the details below. Most of our FFA players still continue to join our clubs….through ‘Word of Mouth’ We intend to publicise FFA on a wider scale to ensure as many parents/players/organisations i.e. Down syndrome Ire etc are aware of opportunity to play football at any level.
  • There will be ‘Football for All’ Introduction & Coaching Course’ organised shortly for any existing coaches/parents who would like to get involved. Well worth it. Again e-mail me if interested.
  • Next DDSL Football for All Blitz will take place  on Sunday 21st December on the ‘Indoor Astro’. Details to follow with Santa/Selection Boxes included etc.

DDSL 3v3: REMINDER

110 Boys & Girls teams booked in to date with a good spread of divisions. Places are limited at some age groups.

Please share amongst coaches in your clubs.

3v3 Skills Festival – 15th & 16th November 2025

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming 3v3 Skills Festival at the Sport Ireland Indoor Dome, Abbotstown, taking place on 15th & 16th November

This fun-filled event is open to boys and girls aged U7–U11 (born 2015–2019) and will feature:

⚽ Fast-paced 3v3 games
🎯 Engaging skill sessions
👥 Squads of 4 players
💶 €60 per squad (+ booking fee)

📍 Location: Sport Ireland Indoor Dome, Abbotstown
📅 Dates: 15th & 16th November
🔗 Booking: HERE

 

 

DDSL Workshops

 

Please share with your coaches.

DDSL Workshop Topic Venue Date Time Book
Coerver Coaching Workshop Ball Mastery & 1v1s Level 2 Abbotstown 10th November 7pm-9pm HERE
FAST Workshop Will further educate coaches on the theory & practical application on the fundamentals of movement & speed. Part 3 Abbotstown 17th November 7pm-9pm HERE
DDSL Club Workshop Developing Touch TBC (Northside) 17th November 7pm-9pm HERE
Coerver Coaching Workshop 2v2s & Small Group Play Level 2 Abbotstown 24th November 7pm-9pm HERE
FAST Workshop Will further educate coaches on the theory & practical application on the fundamentals of movement & speed. Part 4 Abbotstown 1st December 7pm-9pm HERE
DDSL Club Workshop Developing Touch TBC (Southside) 1st December 7pm-9pm HERE
Coerver Coaching Workshop Passing & Receiving Level 2 Abbotstown 8th December 7pm-9pm HERE

Men’s FAI Cup Final Offer

Please see below details and link for the Clubs and Schools Tickets Offer for the 2025 Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup Final between Shamrock Rovers FC v Cork City FC on Sunday November 9th in the Aviva Stadium @ 3pm.

We kindly ask that you complete the form below indicating the breakdown of tickets that you require, i.e. Adults and U16s.

                      Click Here to Apply

To note, for this fixture only, all Clubs/Schools tickets are priced at €15 each for both U16s and Adults.

Please note the below important information before making your application

  • The minimum requirement to register an order is 10 U16 tickets & 2 Adult tickets
  • To submit an order please click into the above above. The deadline for applying for tickets is midday Wednesday October 29th
  • The Ticketing Team will contact you by e-mail with an invoice for payment. Once the invoice is loaded we cannot accommodate any further changes
  • Payment is required by means of debit/credit card only
  • We do not offer refunds for unused tickets

Should you have any questions in relation to the offer, please contact customer-relations@fai.ie

We look forward to welcoming you to the Aviva Stadium

Halloween message for Clubs via DLRCC

Last year we removed 54 tonnes of bonfire waste from across our operative area, and this year we have already removed several tonnes of waste from our parks alone – including several where DDSL teams play. We are asking that all clubs remind their players and parents of the risks of bonfires and the damage they can do to sports facilities, and to report any stockpiles of bonfire material to their local council

 

 

DPC Sports Conference 28th Nov

The DDSL are part of a working group with the DPC  have launched the first conference to help organisations and clubs in the many challenges and supports surrounding Data Protection.

We are asking all clubs in the League where possible, to send a representative to this conference on the 28th November in Croke Park.

We attach an invitation for club representatives  and ask you to respond early as spaces are limited.

Thanking you

 

DPC Sports Conference_Invite_Final

 

 

3v3 Skills Festival – November

3v3 Skills Festival – November 2025

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming 3v3 Skills Festival at the Sport Ireland Indoor Dome, Abbotstown, taking place on 15th & 16th November

This fun-filled event is open to boys and girls aged U7–U11 (born 2015–2019) and will feature:

⚽ Fast-paced 3v3 games
🎯 Engaging skill sessions
👥 Squads of 4 players
💶 €60 per squad (+ booking fee)

📍 Location: Sport Ireland Indoor Dome, Abbotstown
📅 Dates: 15th & 16th November
🔗 Booking: HERE

Spots are limited, so gather your squad and secure your place today. Please share amongst coaches in your club.

Screenshot

Coach Education Key Dates/Booking

DDSL Workshop Topic Venue Date Time Book
Coerver Coaching Workshop Passing & Receiving Abbotstown 13th October 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
DDSL Club Workshop Developing Touch Glebe North FC 20th October 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
FAST Workshop Will further educate coaches on the theory & practical application on the fundamentals of movement & speed. Part 1 Abbotstown 20th October 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
DDSL Club Workshop Developing Touch TBC (Southside) 3rd November 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
FAST Workshop Will further educate coaches on the theory & practical application on the fundamentals of movement & speed. Part 2 Abbotstown 3rd November 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
Coerver Coaching Workshop Ball Mastery & 1v1s Level 2 Abbotstown 10th November 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
FAST Workshop Will further educate coaches on the theory & practical application on the fundamentals of movement & speed. Part 3 Abbotstown 17th November 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
DDSL Club Workshop Developing Touch TBC (Northside) 17th November 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
Coerver Coaching Workshop 2v2s & Small Group Play Level 2 Abbotstown 24th November 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
FAST Workshop Will further educate coaches on the theory & practical application on the fundamentals of movement & speed. Part 4 Abbotstown 1st December 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
DDSL Club Workshop Developing Touch TBC (Southside) 1st December 2025 7pm-9pm HERE
Coerver Coaching Workshop Passing & Receiving Level 2 Abbotstown 8th December 2025 7pm-9pm HERE

DDSL Coach Education

Please see some workshops coming up over the next few weeks. All workshops focus on creating a fun environment in training whilst making sure kids have lots of touches of the ball whilst learning the game. To book please click on the booking link of the course you would like to book.

  • 6th October DDSL Club Workshop Developing Touch 7pm-9pm, St Francis FC. This workshop has been delivered in clubs this season and focuses on developing players touch. Book HERE
  • 13th October Coerver Coaching Workshop, Abbotstown 7pm-9pm. Book HERE
  • 20th October DDSL Club Workshop 7pm-9pm. This workshop has been delivered in clubs this season and focuses on developing players touch. Book HERE (Venue Northside TBC)

 

FAST Workshops (Fundamentals And Speed Training) (Please see attached)

  • 20th Oct, 3rd, 17th Nov, 3rd Dec FAST Football Workshops, Abbotstown 7pm-9pm HERE

 

  • 3rd November DDSL Club Workshop 7pm-9pm HERE (Venue Southside TBC)
  • 10th November Coerver Coaching Workshop, Abbotstown 7pm-9pm HERE
  • 17th November DDSL Club Workshop 7pm-9pm HERE (Venue Northside TBC)
  • 24th November DDSL Cover Coaching Workshop, Abbotstown 7pm-9pm HERE
  • 1st December DDSL Club Workshop 7pm-9pm HERE (Venue Southside TBC)

8th December DDSL Cover Coaching Workshop, Abbotstown 7pm-9pm HERE

FAST Workshop info:

Fixtures & Referees Update

Dear Secretary:

Please note that the fixtures will be issued on Mondays at 6pm going forward to allow the allocators more time to assign referees before fixtures are released to the clubs.

Clubs can source their own referee(s) if one is not appointed, this can only be done after 6pm on the Wednesday, following the fixtures being issued. 

If you source a referee – you MUST contact the referees department with the referees name, to allow the league to update the system with the relevant information.​

We are currently short of approx. 175/190 referees to cover the fixtures (the figures do not include the large number of referees that are rejecting games each week).  The league are working tirelessly to improve the shortage of referee(s).

 Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.

 

Issued on behalf of the:

FSMT (Football Senior Management Team)