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Employment opportunities -Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League

The Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League is recruiting personnel to support the many volunteers in the league and affiliate clubs .

The DDSL is Irelands largest grassroots league in Ireland providing football in the Dublin and greater area. It provides football for over 50,000 players (all under 18) and runs over 2000 games every weekend. The DDSL was founded in 1943 and has 142 affiliated clubs and engages with approximately 55,000 registered club members,12,000 Volunteers.

DDSL also supports the delivery of a wide range of competitive, educational and development programs for its member clubs.

The DDSL are looking for a Club Development Officer working with our team to deliver supports in line with the league’s strategy.

In addition ,the league is also seeking Competition Managers to support our volunteer teams in the delivery of almost 2000 games per week.

 

Detail of the Job specifications are attached to interested applicants.

How to Apply

Letter of application and detailed CV should be sent (in confidence) by email to hr@ddsl.ie

no later than 5pm Friday 11th July 2025.

HR Team

Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League

E-Mail: hr@ddsl.ie

FAI Garda Vetting Update Webinar

Webinars to advise on updates to FAI Garda Vetting procedures

 

The Football Association of Ireland is set to host a series of webinars to support the roll out of an updated Garda Vetting procedure, following notification from the Garda National Vetting Bureau.

 

Aimed at clubs and leagues from all levels of the game, the FAI Garda Vetting Liaison Persons will host 15 sessions over five days between Monday, June 30 to Friday, July 4.

 

The webinars will go through key information for those submitting applications and it is strongly recommended that relevant club and league personnel attend one of these sessions to ensure applications are compliant with the updated requirements.

 

Garda Vetting legislation is key to ensuring the protection of children and vulnerable persons within the game. No relevant club or league can operate without Garda Vetting Legislation compliance and the FAI takes a zero-tolerance approach to any breaches.

 

To facilitate the new and necessary changes, the FAI’s Garda Vetting application portals will be unavailable from Friday, June 27 until Tuesday, July 1.

 

The FAI is encouraging any applicants to make note of this offline period to avoid disruption to any applications.

 

To register for the webinar please click on the link below.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=J4TEMnpsjU-111CSOsx7tzfgkGJeWxZAsAEgDkk92YtUNkRXOVZZUjBRVk9VWDhOTEpCWVEyQkNHSC4u

 

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DDSL Strategic Plan

As you are aware the DDSL has been working hard on the formulation of a 5-year strategy plan for the league with our partners S3 Solutions.

To date, we have established the aims & objectives, conducted various surveys of all stakeholders as part of the process, and met many other organisations as part of the consultative phase. It is hoped that after this phase ,we will be able to formulate the leagues strategy in September.

Now is the time for our member clubs to input and assist in the creation of the DDSL Strategy based on the needs of their clubs and members.

It is important to understand this is not a tick box exercise but a platform to meet the needs of our clubs and members based on their needs-and no one else!

We are holding two sessions as detailed below and ask that two senior/ appointed people from every club attend to give your clubs input.

All clubs are encouraged and  expected to participate and attend to take this opportunity in the creation of your league’s strategy.

Northside clubs

Wednesday 25th June 7pm – Crown Plaza Hotel Dublin Airport,

https://www.google.ie/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x486711deca7775b3:0xa1318fb67c339ecf?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111

Southside clubs

Thursday 26th June 7pm – Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown

https://www.google.ie/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x486709a83467dffb:0x35558b651993c141?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111

Sessions & Workshops will be conducted by S3 solutions with teas/coffees provided-Start time will be 7pm and expected to conclude by 9.30pm.

We would ask that clubs would consider their views in advance of the sessions and would recommend that clubs hold their own sessions in advance to ensure all views of your club are reflected and part of your input.

All attendees must register in advance using the link below as venues have capacity limits.

https://admin.sportsmanager.ie/sportlomo/registration/event-registration/index/14189

Please also note the Football AGM is scheduled for Monday 23rd of June in Abbottstown for club secs ko 7.30pm.

Yours in sport !

Great day for our Football for All players

The DDSL Football for All players were invited by Dublin City Council to take part in a number of football games & up to 30 of our players participated on the Astro in Smithfield & all received a special Luke Kelly Commemorative Medal & Jersey from Luke Kelly’s niece Paul, brilliant day for the players & well done to Dublin City Council & all involved.

Players/Families were able to enjoy the rest of the activities through-out the day

Anyone looking to join Football for All Teams, please contact Mick Kennedy

 

FFA to participate in the Luke Kelly Festival

The DDSL has been invited to participate in the above festival by bringing 30/40 Football for All players to play small games in the Astro close to Smithfield Square.

We be playing our games on Sunday 25th May from 11am to 12.30pm & the players will receive a ‘Special Commemorative Luke Kelly Medals’ after the games…on the stage in Smithfield Square.

The event is organised by Dublin City Council & will take place on both Sat/Sun 24th/25th May.

 

 

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PLAYER MOVEMENT: RULE 14. PLAYER INVITATION & RULE 15. PLAYER POACHING

To All club Secretaries
It has come to the attention of the FSMT that clubs are inviting players to open training days – this is in breach of the DDSL/FAI rules on poaching players
A player who is properly registered to a club remains with that club until mid-night on the 30th June 2025. Any club(s) that advertise open training sessions before that date are in breach of the rules set out below
PLAYER MOVEMENT:
RULE 14. PLAYER INVITATION
1.
No DDSL club is permitted to request or invite a player from another DDSL club for training, coaching, or playing games either within their club, academy, or associated academy during the official playing season August 1st to June 30th the following year.
RULE 15. PLAYER POACHING
1.
When a player becomes a registered player with a club/team in any league it shall be an offence for any official, member of any other club/team or any other person to approach, encourage or influence that player or their or parents/guardians on their behalf to seek a transfer to another team, participate in training coaching or games under the auspices of another team.
2.
Such an offence shall be deemed to be “poaching” and any person found culpable shall render themselves and/or their team/club liable to a fine and/or suspension and their club/team shall be.
– Deducted 15 points for a first offence and a Fine €200
– Automatically relegated for a further offence and a Fine €300

DDSL x Taka Partnership

The DDSL is thrilled to announce a partnership with Taka, a leading sports analytics company, for the 2025/26 season. This partnership brings cutting-edge tools to our clubs, including:

– Free analysis software

– Centralized player profiles

– Personalized development plans

– Additional club support

MLS Quality of Play Review

Taka Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of taka.io

Join us on May 19th at 7pm to learn more about this innovative initiative. CEO, Mark Shields, will be attending to share details and answer questions. We look forward to seeing you there. To confirm attendance please complete the link below. Thanks

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YRQNL3Y

Barry Ferguson

Director of Football

DDSL Cup Finals Update

Following recent matters regarding the scheduling of the cup finals and expressing our disappointment certain clubs not adhering to the dates set and indeed procedures for the 2025 cup finals, issued to all clubs back in August 2024 by the league.

We want to make it abundantly clear that the young players are not at fault in these circumstances and should not be deprived in any way.

In the interest of fairness to these young players, we have decided that those teams (and their oppositions) affected should not be penalized. As a result, any team who is unable to play on the cup finals weekend because of an approved trip, will have that Final rescheduled to take place during the month of May, the dates/Venues and times to be determined by the relevant fixture secretary.

We feel very strongly that no child should be deprived of the memories of playing in a DDSL Cup Final Weekend.

To ensure compliance with league processes in the future, a fine will be imposed on any club that failed to adhere to the rules for traveling away to play in tournaments and not fulfilling their obligations in entering cup competitions. Specifically, clubs are to provide at least six weeks’ notice if planning to travel outside the jurisdiction to play football from the SFAI & FAI.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the smooth organization of the league and upholding the integrity of our competitions and in the best interests of our young players.

On behalf of the Football Senior Mgt Team

Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League

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DDSL Mid-Week Games

Following on and as promised at the meeting last, the information around mid-week fixtures is set out below – for the most current information please always check on the official DDSL website and social media platforms.

Mid-week matches will commence from Monday 7th April 2025, the fixture secretaries will decide the matches that will be played mid-week.

The following will apply to any team(s) who change the official fixture date without notifying the relevant fixture secretary, the game will be deemed null & void and no points will be awarded to the 2 teams participating in such a game.

 

The designated playing days are as follows

Saturday  U12/U13/U14 – Monday

Sunday U13/U14  Tuesday

Saturday U12/U15 – Wednesday

Sunday U15  – Thursday

Sundays U16/17/18s. Tuesday & Thursday

In the small sided games there maybe a small number of under 11s fixture to be played.

 

I reminded those present our rules on walk-over s given by clubs – I have included the actual rule for clarity

 

RULE 6. FIXTURE WALKOVER 1. 

During the season from August till the 30th of April any clubs who give a walkover (which has not been sanctioned by the League) shall be dealt with as follows. 

  1. 11 a-side league clubs will be fined €150, and the match awarded to the opposition per walkover. 
  2. 9 a-side league clubs will be fined €100, and the match awarded to the opposition per walkover.
  3. In all other games the club shall be fined €25, and the match may be refixed at the discretion of the relevant fixture secretary. 
  4. Any team who gives 3 or more unsanctioned walkovers over a season will be relegated from their respective League, have their results expunged and will start the following season with a deficit of 6 points. 

  1. During the season from the 1st of May until the end of season inclusive any club who gives a walkover which has not been sanctioned by the league shall be dealt with additional sanctions as follows: 
  2. First offence: 

A deduction of 6 points and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €100 fine. 

  1. Second offence:

 A deduction of 12 points, and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €300 fine. 

  1. Third offence: 

Relegation from the respective division and a starting deficit of 6 points the following season, and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €500 fine. 

  1. A team already confirmed as relegated, giving 3 or more unsanctioned. walkovers will start the following season with a deficit of 9 points.

 

DDSL FSMT

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THE DDSL CONDUCTS ONE OF THE LARGEST EVER UNDERAGE FOOTBALL SURVEYS IN IRELAND

THE DDSL CONDUCTS ONE OF THE LARGEST EVER UNDERAGE FOOTBALL SURVEYS IN IRELAND

 

In a groundbreaking initiative, the DDSL has conducted one of the largest youth football surveys ever in Ireland, gathering insights from 5,220 players, parents, volunteers, referees, past players, and others involved in the game. The message is loud and clear:

Football needs to be more than competition – it must be enjoyable for all!

This landmark survey of all stakeholders, has been conducted in partnership with S3 Solutions as part of the DDSL’s strategic planning process, ensuring that the findings directly shape the delivery of youth football in Dublin and surrounding areas over the next four years.

By engaging such a diverse group of respondents, the DDSL is ensuring that the voices of everyone involved in the game are heard and acted upon.

Key Messages from the Survey:

  • If it stops being fun, they’ll stop taking part. This includes players, coaches and volunteers, referees and all others involved in the game.
  • Children should be able to enjoy football in a safe environment. Player enjoyment, safety and wellbeing is paramount and should always be prioritised over winning.
  • Volunteers give up lots of their own time. They need to be supported to get involved and stay involved.
  • Referees are in it for the love of the game, but they get a hard time. The game day experience needs to improve.
  • Very clear views from stakeholders when they want to play! The majority scheduling holidays/breaks in July/August and almost 90% want to play in Sept/Oct/Nov.

“Our goal has always been to enhance the youth football experience for everyone involved. This survey provides a clear, data-driven mandate: we need to refocus on fun, inclusivity, and long-term engagement, not just results,” said Barry Ferguson, Director of Football in the DDSL.

The survey’s results underline the importance of keeping young players engaged by making football a positive, supportive environment—not just for the kids, but for volunteers and referees too.

A game that is enjoyable for everyone is a game that will thrive.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences. It is now our job to support the needs of our 130 plus clubs and all stakeholders involved in the DDSL. Their feedback

is invaluable in ensuring that youth football continues to grow and thrive in Dublin and surrounding areas.

The success will be measured by listening and delivering what all stakeholders for children’s football in the capital and indeed further afield.” added Niall O Driscoll, Chairman of the DDSL.

Please see attached, our survey key findings and Summary information for your attention.

For further information on the survey or to stay updated on the progress of our new Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029, please visit: https://ddsl.ie/

Further information Contact:

Barry Ferguson 087-764 0463 or Niall O Driscoll 086-256 0733
or e-mail at media@ddsl.ie

 

DDSL Key Survey Highlights

Preview attachment DDSL Survey Findings Presentation.pdf