DDSL Season 2024 – 2025 Expression of Interest

Phase 1 Expression of Interest for season 2024 – 2025

The PHASE 1 ONLINE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST PROCESS will remain live until 5PM on Friday
May 10th. Any Club who has not completed in this window will be placed on a waiting list by
the League.

Any matter relating to the process or inability to complete the process please send your
email to eoi@ddsl.ie only, as this ensures direct communications with the electronic
helpdesk dealing directly with the process.

Note: The Electronic Helpdesk is not responsible for the content submitted by any club, or
the outcome of any application. Applications will be reviewed by a Selections Committee
formed by the League.

As a League we look forward to receiving the completed PHASE 1 ONLINE EXPRESSION OF
INTEREST FORMS at the earliest date.

 

THIS PHASE 1 RELATES ONLY TO THE FOLLOWING CLUB STATUS.
[TYPE 1] NEWLY FORMED CLUBS where the 2024 – 2025 season is the inaugural
season for the Club who wish to:
• Start new teams in the DDSL.
[TYPE 2] EXISTING FORMED CLUBS (Non DDSL) who do not have teams in the
DDSL in the current season 2023 – 2024, but wish to either:
• Start new teams in the DDSL.
• Transfer existing teams from another league into the DDSL for the season
2024 -2025.
[TYPE 3] EXISTING FORMED CLUBS (DDSL) who do have teams in the DDSL in the
current season 2023 – 2024 but wish to:
• Transfer teams from another league into the DDSL for the season 2024 –
2025.
———————————————————————–
PHASE 1 DOES NOT APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING CLUB STATUS.
[TYPE 4] EXISTING FORMED CLUBS (DDSL) in the current season 2023- 2024 who:
• Do not have team\teams to transfer from another league to the DDSL.
• Do not wish to transfer team\teams from another league to the DDSL for the
2024- 2025 season.
[TYPE 4] Clubs will enter the Expression of Interest at a later date in May 2024
the league will provide a notification date late April in this matter.
For [TYPE 1, 2 ,3] Clubs ONLY
Please complete the following information and return to eoi@ddsl.ie
CLUB NAME:
CLUB SECRETARY NAME:
CLUB SECRETARY MOBILE:
CLUB SECRETARY EMAIL:
Once received the League will enter the club details into the DDSL FUSION System and
provide a unique Username and Password to allow you complete the

 

PHASE 1 ONLINE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM.
———————————————————————–
Please note for clubs of [TYPE 1, 2, 3] it is the sole responsibility of the club in question to
ensure that all relevant documentation has been received to allow for the possibility of a
transition to the DDSL to take place for the season 2024- 2025.
PLEASE ENSURE ALL DOCUMENTATION (INCLUDING EMAILS AS PROOF OF COMMUNICATION)
HAVE BEEN RETAINED, SOUGHT, AND ACTIONED BY ALL PARTIES WITHIN THE TIMEFRAMES AS
LAID DOWN IN THE RULES OF THE RELEVANT ASSOCIATIONS AND THE FAI AS THE NGB.

Click on Link below to Access and Download PDF

DDSL PHASE 1 EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

FAI Pathways Plan Meeting

Dear Club Chairperson /Secretary,

In relation to the FAI Pathways Plan the DDSL has recently engaged with the FAI to ensure that all clubs and stakeholders in the DDSL are consulted and given the opportunity to provide their views as sought by the FAI. We support any plan that improves our game and the needs of our clubs, volunteers and, most importantly, our players.

 

To this end ,the league will be hosting a meeting for all DDSL clubs in conjunction with the FAI on Monday 8th April 2024 at 7.15pm in Clayton Hotel ,Liffey Valley, Fonthill Road, D22 X4W6.

 

Please note every club is expected to attend and send 1 (one) person only, ideally the Chairperson or Secretary or Director of Football . Please  register your clubs participation on or before 1st April using the link below. This meeting is for DDSL clubs ONLY. 

 

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

We are asking each club to hold a meeting in advance of this meeting to ensure our clubs provide a fair and accurate view from the members of your club.

 

We  and  you will have the opportunity to discuss with Marc Canham, Ger McDermott and the FAI team in detail and share your club views  with them  on the evening.

In addition, the league are preparing its feedback/views which will be presented together with  all clubs stakeholders feedback after the event.

If clubs wish to submit and questions or feedback in advance of the meeting they can send to Barry Ferguson (DDSL Director of Football) at  barry.ferguson@ddsl.ie on /before 5th April 2024,

so we can share and make the most of our time on the night.

 

On a separate but related matter, the board has commenced a strategic plan for the league and engaged S3 Solutions to manage and assist in the process. We hope to complete this plan by end of June/early July and  to launch the strategy before the new season commences .This is a major piece of work and  will involve workshops with the league, clubs, volunteers and parents over the coming months using a series of workshops, surveys etc. We want the views of 137 clubs,12,000 volunteers and 100,000+ parents/players. It is essential that every stakeholder internally and externally is part of the strategy formulation to ensure we have a clear vision for the league and a strong sense of the values and expectations of all involved in  the DDSL at every level. It the least our kids deserve and we all need to raise the bar and strive to  deliver the best we can at every opportunity in every area of their journey #feelgoodfootball .

 

It is essential that all clubs take this opportunity on the 8th April to have their say to ensure any Pathways Plan  reflects the needs of your clubs (and all its stakeholders) now and in the future

 

Looking forward to seeing you all on Monday the 8th !

 

Yours in Sport

  

Niall O Driscoll | Chairman

On behalf of the board of the

Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League

 

Football for All World Cup

Thank you to all who attended a hugely successful day

Guests on the day:

Mayor Alan Edge SDCC
Minister Jack Chambers
MEP Barry Andrews

Brilliant support from our clubs

Special mention to St James Swift who travelled from Belfast

Up to 180 players had a terrific day …cold weather but Soup/Sandwiches warmed them up after receiving their Certificate & Goody Bag

Pictures from our Partners Q102

https://wetransfer.com/downloads/273c4d6278a3b23fc20368d623948b7420240326000041/45702e19f3912cc7cedcc29cdefda23920240326000102/d63177?trk=TRN_TDL_01&utm_campaign=TRN_TDL_01&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid

Childline Partnership Launch

Kicking off a winning collaboration between Childline, DDSL and the beautiful game

How Childline and DDSL are teaming up to help ensure there’s always someone to listen when a child needs to talk.

Childline by ISPCC and the Dublin District Soccer League (DDSL) are two organisations, united by a common cause – our wish to support children and young people. Childline and DDSL are delighted to announce our three-year partnership, the aim of which is to ensure that children and young people know they can always reach out, no matter what is on their mind.

Childline is home to Ireland’s only 24/7 listening services for children and young people. Childline staff and volunteers ensure that there is always someone to listen when a child or young person needs to talk.

ISPCC needs to raise up to 75% of its funding each year from donations and the charity appreciates all support which helps ensure its services and supports are available to children and young people all day, every day.  

Childline is very grateful to Dublin and District Schoolboys’/girls’ Soccer League for donating 50c of each child’s annual registration fee to the organisation and islooking forward to our three-year partnership and commitment to supporting the well-being of children, parentsand clubs within DDSL.

DDSL, the leading youth football development league, is an organisation responsible for organising and overseeing competitive football matches for school children in the greater Dublin area.

John Church, CEO of ISPCC, says: “DDSL plays a key role in the grassroots soccer community, Childline is here for every child and young person, and together we can make a real difference to the lives of the young members of our society. We can ensure that the over 35,000 children who are registered with the DDSL feel supported, listen to and informed.”

“We at the DDSL are delighted to partner with Childline and support the tremendous work they do in the support to children and parents when they need it most,” says Niall O’Driscoll, Director Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League.

“We will be launching dedicated training/educational supports for clubs, volunteers and parents using ISPCC’s Shield anti-bullying programme together with Childline’s 24/7 listening service, which is always available for any child needing help or just to talk.

“The player/child–centred approach of both organisations will be used to increase awareness and help adults understand the many issues and challenges our kids face in the current society.”

As part of its collaboration with DDSL, Childline has committed to providing:

• workshops to DDSL and their clubs to ensure that every coach, parent and child has access to the supports they need
• access to Childline’s Anti-Bullying programme Shield for all 132 clubs
• supports for parents, coaches and children published on the DDSL website, socials and emails to the children’s guardians and coaches

Childline will be fundraising at the DDSL’s premier event this year – the Cup Final on May 19, 24, 25 and 26. Those attending will be able to donate to Childline. All donations are very gratefully received.

 

Notes to Editors:  

ISPCC spokesperson available for comment or interview  

 For more information, please contact:  

Rowena Walsh, ISPCC Media and Communications Coordinator  

Tel: 087 2997872 Email: rowena.walsh@ispcc.ie  

  

About ISPCC  

ISPCC is a charity dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and young people.  

The charity provides a suite of Childline services and supports for children and young people up to and including those aged 18 years of age.  Childline’s 24-hour support line can be contacted for FREE, 365 days a year 24/7.  Children can chat online at childline.ie or call 1800 66 66 66.  

It relies heavily on public generosity to ensure that its services are there for every child and young person 24 hours a day, every day. ISPCC depends on donations for over 75% of its funding each year.

ISPCC provide services, supports and programmes for parents/carers and those working or volunteering in child and youth settings e.g. schools, clubs, crèches etc.  

 

 

Dublin’s Q102 Announces Partnership with Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League

Introducing Feel Good Football

Dublin entertainment & audio brand, Q102, home of Ryan Tubridy, announced an exciting & exclusive partnership called Feel Good Football today with the leading youth football development league in Dublin, the DDSL. This collaboration marks a significant partnership within the grassroots football community, as two iconic Dublin brands join forces to support increasing participation in youth football and a specific focus on bringing a sense of fun back to the sport as well as creating pathways to welcome new players to the league and keep them actively involved, especially young females as well as taking on the culture and behaviours that negatively impact kids and create barriers to progress. 

As part of this official partnership, Q102 will actively engage and work with the DDSL, it’s Clubs and the football community, providing extensive coverage of league events, player highlights, and behind-the-scenes stories using its multi platform offering across FM listeners, digital streaming and incredible access to Q102’s social channels. Through on-air promotions, digital platforms, and live broadcasts, Q102 aims to amplify the excitement surrounding youth soccer in Dublin and spotlight the dedication and passion of young athletes.

“We are delighted to partner with the Dublin District Schoolboys & Girls League, to create Feel Good Football, said Vivienne Nagle, Managing Director, Q102 “ We’re hugely aware of the importance of community engagement and the positive impact of sports on young people’s lives. Our aim is to support the development of local boys & girls and celebrate their achievements of young athletes in Dublin. In conjunction with this partnership and the platform we will offer the DDSL, we have created the Feel Good Football campaign, where we aim to bring back the Feel Good factor to underage football and get more kids involved in playing the beautiful game.”

The DDSL, founded in 1943, has a rich history of nurturing soccer talent in Dublin with almost 3,000 teams and 45,000 players involved in 1,500 games every weekend. The DDSL plays a vital role in the grassroots soccer community, giving children all the benefits that sport brings to the development of our current and future generations.

. “We are thrilled to partner with Q102,” said Niall O Driscoll, Chairman at the DDSL. “This collaboration represents a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of youth soccer in Dublin and inspire the next generation of players. Together with Q102, we look forward to creating memorable experiences for our Clubs, players, coaches, and supporters. Through this partnership, Q102 and the DDSL aim to inspire young athletes, promote active lifestyles, and strengthen community ties through the power of soccer”

Pictures available for download here

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dublin’s Q102 (Football Liaison Officer) Gary Bailey   gary.bailey@q102.ie

Dublin’s Q102 (Football Liaison Officer) John Fitzpatrick    football@q102.ie

Web – Q102.ie/football

DDSL (Director of Football) Barry Ferguson     barry.ferguson@ddsl.ie

DDSL (General Manager)  Mick Kennedy         gm@ddsl.ie

Referee Courses

Referee Course ⚽️

Please see below the new upcoming ‘Referee Courses’ to be run by the FAI.

As you are aware, we are still very short of Referees & it would be great if you can forward to as many people/coaches/players as possible to ensure we have more Refs to call on.

Please forward the ‘Links’ below & also e-mail us at referees@ddsl.ie if you have any potential ‘Referees’ looking to register for the courses below.

Can you also advise all potential Referees if they do register on one of these courses to confirm with the FAI that they wish to be allocated to the DDSL.

 

Easter Weekend Update

Please note the following fixtures are due to be played:

 

St Patrick’s Weekend:

  • There will be NO SSG Fixtures i.e. u7’s to u11’s Boys/Girls for either Sat/Sun 16th/17th March
  • There will be fixtures for u12’s to u18’s Boys/Girls for both Sat/Sun 16th/17thMarch
  • Any teams who wish to apply for their fixture to be off must contact their relevant DDSL Fixture Secretary giving 2 weeks’ notice.

Easter Weekend:

  • There will be NO SSG Fixtures i.e. u7’s to u11’s Boys/Girls for either Sat/Sun 30th/31th March
  • There will be fixtures for u12’s to u18’s Boys/Girls for both Sat/Sun 30th/31st March
  • Any teams who wish to apply for their fixture to be off must contact their relevant DDSL Fixture Secretary giving 2 weeks’ notice.

We attach the list of DDSL contacts including the DDSL Fixture Secretaries who you will need to contact in the event of a request for your game OFF.

Yours in Sport

FSMT (Football Senior Management Team)

 

Football Pathways – FAI

As part of the FAI’s four year strategy from 2022-2025, Nurturing Football Pathways for All is one of our key strategic pillars and to this end, we embarked on a consultation process from May 2023 to January 2024, with the goal of developing a new Football Pathways Plan for the whole game of football in Ireland that will enhance pathways for all players to achieve their full potential.

Follow the consultation period, we have developed an overall Football Pathways Plan based on the feedback from phase 1 consultations. We now want to go back out to the football community to collaborate and consult on the detail of the strategy plan and develop the key areas into action plans.
Those involved in football development are encouraged to attend their regional consultation workshop and share their thoughts and insights. We want to get as much feedback as possible before the plan is launched and we want everyone involved in football to be part of the conversation.

Full details of the consultation workshops including dates, times and venues are included in the link below

FPP Letter copy

 

Respect Our Game

The DDSL Supports the FAI for the Respect our Game initiative for this weekend 2nd – 4th of February. We ask that you share this post around in order to promote this amongst family and friends for this weekend.🤝

The FAI are planning a big weekend of action for the Respect our Game initiative which was successfully rolled out in October 2023.

This weekend coming, February 2 – February 4, the FAI want to see the Respect our Game initiative in action on the sidelines at every match across the country. For this to happen, we need you to help implement some helpful ways of creating a positive environment on the sidelines with the below.

Silent Side lines- Let the players play and think and learn for themselves.

Positive Side lines- cheering and clapping for both sides, it you haven’t got something nice to say, stay quiet.

Know your roles- let the players play, let the official referee, let the coaches coach, be a spectators and watch in a positive manner

Get Feedback from your players- Let them tell you how the current sidelines make them feel.

Don’t let inappropriate comments, shouting, aggression, physical violence, and laughing at others whilst supporting or coaching a match become the norm! Change it! Challenge it!

When something is left unchallenged, it is viewed as acceptable!

Take positive action now and prepare your club to embrace the Respect our Game initiative this coming weekend and help create a positive environment across the country!

#respect #our #game

Seminar Reminder 18th Jan

U7/U8/U9 Boys/Girls Seminar:

As you are aware, we organise an update session for the above Boys/Girls Divisions early in the 2nd half of the season. This is to allow the new u7’s Divisions/managers/coaches & u8/9 managers/coaches to attend a session covering the ‘Rules/Guidelines for the 5v5; the Different Divisions; Code of Conduct for Manager/coaches/parents & any questions.

As there should be a big turnout, we have divided the sessions into two grouping:

7pm to 8.15pm

8.15pm to 9.15pm

In FAI H/O Conference room on Thursday 18th January 2024.

Please forward to all your u7/u8/u9 managers/coaches Boys/Girls & forward an e-mail to Clubcare@ddsl.ie to register your manager/coaches for the course.  Please also indicate what time session suits.

Barry Ferguson Director of Football will update on the Rules/Guidelines & Head of Girls Zoe Pool & u7 to u9 Boys Fix Sec Killian Travers will update on the different divisions . We’ll answer any questions/queries etc.