DDSL X Umbro Partnership

Umbro Ireland and the DDSL Announce Five-Year Brand Partnership

Umbro and the DDSL are delighted to announce a new five-year brand partnership.

Under this agreement, Umbro will become the official equipment supplier to the Dublin and District schoolboys’ / girls’ league, also providing footballs and equipment to the representative teams.  Umbro will develop bespoke training and match footballs for the DDSL throughout the agreement.

Patrick Peyton of Umbro Ireland said, “This partnership is a significant part of our future plan in grassroots football in Ireland.  Partnering with the largest schoolboys’ / girls’ league in Europe gives us an amazing platform to work with clubs at all levels and we are looking forward to this work.

Niall O Driscoll Chair of the DDSL added. ‘’We are delighted to welcome Umbro to the ever growing number of Partners supporting the grassroots game in the Capital. The partnership with Umbro will allow all our clubs benefit with a top quality offering at competitive costings which can only help clubs going forward” 

A Night with 3 Legends

Get your tickets quick 🎟️

Join John Giles, Eamon Dunphy & Liam Brady live at @vicar_st

Monday 26th April

Get your tickets at www.ticketmaster.ie

 

DDSL & Coerver Coaching Partnership

DDSL & Coerver Coaching Partnership – Club School Link Programme

We are partnering with Coerver in a club school link programme. Coerver will go into schools in areas where DDSL clubs are and direct boys and girls from the school to their local club. Local clubs will be represented on the first day and last day of the programme in the school. The first pilot has seen two clubs increase their academy numbers from the programme

What is the programme?

  • Coerver Coaches deliver first skills coaching to primary school children as part of their P.E. curriculum over 5 weeks
  • The programme is FREE for the schools and funded by local companies that are keen to give back to their communities
  • It aims to foster a love of the game in our young children and promote a healthy, active lifestyle
  • The DDSL and Coerver invite the local football club rep to attend at the beginning and end of programme
  • The programme connects the club with the children who may be interested in joining their academy

 

In 2024, Coerver Coaching delivered 40 schools programmes to over 6000 students, Together in 2025, the DDSL and Coerver Coaching can support more schools and students in 2025 to help grow our game

Keep your eye out 🙌🏻

DDSL Referee Month Promo

DDSL Referee Promo

As part of the current Referee drive, and to assist those on their pathway to becoming a referee within the DDSL. We want to give back to you

The DDSL will refund any DDSL club who provides people who attend these refs courses and Refs for the DDSL after completion.

(Refunds will be issued to qualifying people in April.)

 

With more referees we can get more games on weekly & help educate those who wish to make their pathway to being a referee. We are looking for clubs to help here, Please share within your clubs 🤝

Dublin (Balbriggan) Referee Beginners Course – 10th & 17th February (7-10pm)

Dublin (Knocklyon) Referee Beginners Course – 15th February (10-4pm)

Dublin (Clondalkin) Referee Beginners Course – 17th February (10-4pm)

Dublin (Ballymun) Referee Beginners Course – 22nd February (10-4pm)

Dublin (Leicester Celtic) Referee Beginners Course – 23rd February (10-4pm)

To sign up for any of the above courses click on becomearef.ie

FAI Women’s Under 17 Cup 2025 – Entry Form & Payment

Dear League Secretary,

Please be advised that entry for the 2025 FAI Women’s Under 17 Cup has now opened. The closing date for entries for this competition is Wednesday 5th February 2024. Due to the timelines, no entries will be accepted after this date.

Where applicable, can league secretaries please circulate this email to all your relevant clubs. Please make sure to include the attached guide when circulating to your clubs.

Please see the provisional fixture (weekending) dates for this competition below.

Competition FAI Women’s Under 17 Cup 2025
Round 1 23/02/2025
Round 2 23/03/2025
Round 3 13/04/2025
Quarter Finals 04/05/2025
Semi Finals 25/05/2025
Final 29/06/2025

 

FOR CLUB SECRETARIES

 

Please the below link for the 2025 FAI Women’s U17 Cup. Attached is a guide on how to complete the entry form and make payment for this competition. The guide also contains steps on how to create a club account for FAI Connect.

FAI Women’s Under 17 Cup 2025 – Entry & Payment Link

Each club’s entry form information & payment will be processed through FAI Connect. If your club has not yet created an FAI Connect account, please contact FAIConnect faiconnect@fai.ie by email.

It is the responsibility of the club secretary to review all answers and make sure all information is clear and accurate.

The cost of entry for the competition is €30. One entry is permitted per club. Eligibility: Players born in 2008 or later.

PAYMENT PAGE STEPS – A comprehensive guide is attached to this email which includes images of each step.

  1. Login to your club’s FAI Connect Account – Personal Accounts with no affiliated club will not work.
  2. Follow the above link and you will be brought to the entry payment page.
  3. Firstly, select your club’s team ID from the list available.
  4. Select participation confirmation by selecting ‘Add to Cart’.
  5. Provide all club details (Kit Colours, Ground Address etc) – complete all questions and select ‘Add to Cart’ again.
  6. Select the Cart, then proceed to Checkout.
  7. Select ‘Pay Online Now (Stripe)’ and then ‘Proceed’.
  8. Lastly, provide card details to complete payment. You will be provided with a receipt of payment to the email address associated with the FAI Connect Account

Please don’t hesitate to contact me (garret.higgins@fai.ie) if you require any further information.

 

Entry Form

FAI Women’s U17 Cup 2025 – Guide for FAI Connect Entry & Payment

 

DBS Transition Year Programme

📢 Calling All 3rd Year Girls! 📢

Want to level up your soccer skills? Join us for an exclusive Girls-Only Assessment Day at DBS International Soccer Academy!

Our Full-Time Soccer Program is designed to develop players both on and off the pitch, with a focus on athletic training, individual growth, and skill development. This is your chance to get a sneak peek at what we offer and see how our program can help you reach your full potential.

Event Details:
🕒 Time: 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Sports Ireland Indoor Arena
👩‍🎓 Who: Girls currently in 3rd Year
📝 How to Sign Up: Fill out the registration form to secure your spot!

Sign up here:
https://forms.gle/ufax6JrRsupM1civ9

Don’t miss out – we can’t wait to see you there! ⚽

Socials: DBSports
Website: www.dbsisa.com
Mobile: +353 (0) 86 200 7074

FAI Referee Beginner Courses – 2025

Recently we carried out a full review of our Referee Beginner Programme and while we have increased our number nationally significantly over the last number of years we fell the time is right to move to a new model for running our courses. Courses will now take place in two blocks each year to allow us to implement a targeted approach to referee recruitment and retention in each of our regions. By holding courses in each region it will increase the opportunity for us to grow the number of referees in each of the leagues to ensure that growing demands of football at all levels are met with increased number of officials. These courses will follow a blended format with some learning taking place online in their own time and there will be a greater focus on practical elements of refereeing in person to ensure new referees are given the essential skills needed to start in their new roles.

With your help and the help of your clubs, referees and football volunteers we can ensure that we continue to grow and develop football for all stakeholders.

See the full list of courses below. Please share the details for the courses in your region with as many people as possible to ensure we attract as many participants as we can.

Please note that cost per participant is €50 and this includes – red and yellow cards, whistle, coin, FAI Referee Badge and Referee Registration Fee.

Name Full Address Region Date Time Link
Dublin (Balbriggan) Referee Beginners Course – 10th & 17th February (7-10pm) Bath Rd, Tankardstown, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin 1 10th & 17th Feb 7pm to 10pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728449
Dublin (Ballymun) Referee Beginners Course – 22nd February (10-4pm) Ballymun United Soccer Complex, Ballymun, D11RY23 1 22nd Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728513
Dublin (Clondalkin) Referee Beginners Course – 17th February (10-4pm) Capco Park; Naas Road; Clondalkin 2 17th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728574
Dublin (Knocklyon) Referee Beginners Course – 15th February (10-4pm) 52 Woodstown Dr, Knocklyon, Dublin 16, D16 HX70 2 15th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728615
Dublin (Leicester Celtic) Referee Beginners Course – 23rd February (10-4pm) Grange Manor Road, Dublin 14, D14 X4F1 2 23rd Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728667
Wicklow Referee Beginners Course – 8th February (10-4pm) 12 Croghan Heights, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Y14 C925 2 8th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728720
Kilkenny Referee Beginners Course – 15th February (10-4pm) Dermidus Park, Co. Kilkenny 3 15th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30729001
Waterford Referee Beginners Course – 22nd February (10-4pm) SETU Arena , Waterford , 3 22nd Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30729035
Tipperary Referee Beginners Course – 15th February (10-4pm) Cahir Park 3 15th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30729086
Cork Referee Beginners Course – 9th February (10-4pm) Knockgriffin Park, P25NR20 4 9th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728762
Cork (Bandon) Referee Beginners Course – 15th February (10-4pm) Town Park Terrace, Kilbrogan, Bandon, Co. Cork 4 15th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728781
Cork Referee Beginners Course – 22nd February (10-4pm) O’Shea Park, Riverview Estate, Blarney, Co. Cork 4 22nd Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728794
Limerick Referee Beginners Course – 8th February (10-4pm) Rivers, Castletroy, Limerick, V94 TX85 5 8th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728815
Clare Referee Beginners Course – 15th February (10-4pm) Shannon Rd, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, V95 RYW3 5 15th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728848
Laois/Offaly Beginners Course – 23rd February (10-4pm) Tullamore Town FC 6 23rd Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30781776
Meath Referee Beginners Course – 8th February (10-4pm) MDL Navan Grounds 6 8th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728878
Monaghan Referee Beginners Course – 23rd February (10-4pm) Gortakeegan, Monaghan 7 23rd Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30781797
Louth Referee Beginners Course – 25/27th February (6.30-9.30pm) Dundalk FC 7 25th & 27th  Feb 6:30 to 9:30pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30781825
Donegal Referee Beginners Course – 22nd February (10-4pm) Ballyare, Ramelton, Co.Donegal 7 22nd Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30781918
Galway Referee Beginners Course – 8th February (10-4pm) Drom East, Salthill, Galway H91 KP79 8 8th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728900
Mayo Referee Beginners Course – 22nd February (10-4pm) Milebush, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 CV08 8 22nd Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728909
Sligo Referee Beginners Course – 15th February (10-4pm) ATU Sligo knocknarea Arena F91YW50 8 15th Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728915
Roscommon Referee Beginner Course – 23rd February (10-4pm) RDFL Grounds, Galeybeg, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon F42 KW44 8 23rd Feb 10am to 4pm https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/30728958

Christmas Football for All Indoor Blitz

DDSL organized their first ever Indoor ‘Football for All’ Christmas Blitz in the new fantastic dome at Our Lady’s School Terenure.

There were up to 110 Boys/Girls players involved from the ages of 4 to 18 from 10x clubs from all over Dublin.

The players had a great fun day…enjoying their football…..some wearing Xmas hats/jumpers…making new friends & were delighted to meet Santa Clause who presented them with a selection box. Santa will visit all the players at Christmas.

Big thank you to all the Coaches & Volunteers who have been there with all our players through-out the years….& I know these coaches/volunteers get huge satisfaction…not just for the coaching but  just seeing the smiles on all the players faces. Best part of what football is all about.

Thanks to the DDSL Board & the Fai for helping with the financing of this FFA Tournament & all the other Mini Blitz we have organised in the past.

More clubs/players/volunteers are always welcome to join….please contact us & we will give you a call with more details.

 

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

 

DDSL Football for All Team.

 

Council Pitches – Winter Closure Update

Winter closure of pitches:  All pitches will be resting from Monday 16th December 2024 until at least Friday 17th January 2025 inclusive.

Have your say! – DDSL Survey for all

The Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League (DDSL) along with our strategic partners S3 Solutions are beginning the process of developing a strategy for the future development of the league and indeed football in the capital.

Part of this process involves completing the largest survey (of all stakeholders) undertaken in Ireland in relation to every part of our game. Everyone’s view and opinions are very important, and the aim is to get as many people involved in clubs and our game, past and present to feedback as part of the process which will influence the game going forward.

With the impending FAI player pathway proposals, it is important that every stakeholder can have their say and input, So please complete, if possible, Today !

There are various surveys for Players, Coaches, Volunteers, Referees, Parents and Past Players.

The information we receive will contribute towards the future direction of the league for the next five years. Please ask every stakeholder in your club (past and present) and the game to complete the survey.

The information will help determine the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for the DDSL and its stakeholders which will form part of our strategy going forward.

The survey will open for two (2) weeks and thank you in advance for your contribution.

 

LINKS BELOW:

DDSL Player Online Survey

Https://forms.office.com/e/31TMjm3crV

DDSL Parents Online Survey

Https://forms.office.com/e/C67jXZh6qM

 DDSL Past Players Online Survey

Https://forms.office.com/e/XV6SxTK1k0

DDSL Club Volunteer Online Survey

Https://forms.office.com/e/iuXjfwP361

We are asking you as a club to issue this mail to all your Club Members, Volunteers, Parents, and Players (Current & Past) over the next 2 or 3 days and share on all media channels .This will be the largest survey ever carried out in Irish football, and we hope to get the views of every stakeholder to formulate a strategy the meets the needs of every child and stakeholder in the future.

Yours in Sport

On behalf of everyone in the

Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League