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

Expression of Interest for the coming season.

The DDSL wish to announce the starting process for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to participate in the DDSL for the coming season.

This stage does not require any of the # Established Member Clubs to engage unless they are making an application under the criteria listed below as A2.

 

# Established Member Clubs applying through A1 will be requested to apply when the Renewing Submissions Phase opens on Friday May 30^th 2025.

Clubs wishing to make an Eligibility Application at this time must comply with the Eligibility Table below.

The Eligibility Application Phase remains Open until 5PM on Monday March 31^st 2025. Clubs who’s eligibility is deemed to have been met by the league will be invited to make an EOI Submission when the EOI Phase opens on Monday April 7^th to Friday May 9^th 2025.

Clubs who having reviewed the Eligibility Table yet wish to make an eligibility application where the application is deemed not to have been met will be advised by the league.

All communications to eoi@ddsl.ie only, communications made to other emails or individuals within the league may be considered canvassing which may result in your application being rendered null and void. The decision of the league is final.

Yours in Sport

Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League

 

Silent Sideline Weekend ⚽️🤫

Let the Refs Referee
Let the Coaches Coach
Most importantly Let the Kids PLAY

NO TOXIC SIDELINE Behaviour!

Remember “it’s their game”

#itsmygame #silentsidelines

Following the successful launch of our DDSL ‘IT’S MY GAME’ campaigns , it is important for the DDSL and its clubs to support and act where possible.

Given the escalation of ‘Behavioural & Respect Issues’ particularly from the sidelines from both Coaches/Parents etc, we are holding a ‘SILENT FOR ALL WEEKEND’ on Friday/Saturday/Sunday28/29^th/30th March 2025. We are requesting all clubs support this initiative using their clubs BDO’s to start the culture change required to create the right environment for children in the game.

For the weekend of the 28^th March, we want to see  ‘IT’S MY GAME’ initiative in action on the sidelines at every match within our League.  For this to happen, we need you to help implement in some helpful ways of creating a positive environment on the sidelines  to ensure the following happens !

Silent Side lines – Rope of spectator areas if possible

Let the players play and think and learn for themselves.

Let the official’s referee without comment

Let the coaches coach and players learn

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! Live it!

The ‘SILENT FOR ALL WEEKEND’ is there for a purpose to allow our players play & enjoy their football and stop those who are running children’s football.

REMINDERS

Match procedures for teams(compulsory)

Start-Captains bring ‘’LET US PLAY’’ banner to Centre with both teams. Teams line up Centre approaching from opposite halfway-lines, After toss etc. both teams Cross walk and shake hands.

During– all subs ideally seated in technical area, subs will shake hands as they come on/off pitch at halfway line. No player on until he arrives at halfway line.

Match break (Half time)- teams will gather on opposite sides for duration of break. Only manager/Captain can talk to referee if required – no other club official/person

Match end– Captains will bring team (including Management team) in file to halfway line and both teams will shake hands with everyone concerned including the officials who will be thanked by all. The winning team may stand in two lines and applaud the loosing team if they so desire.

Match procedures for club/Team Officials

Children are encouraged to develop themselves via their own experience on the pitch and therefore no excessive Coaching/shouting at any player will be accepted. As we must set examples-No smoking ,foul language or any encroachment by anyone on the pitch is permitted. Monkey see monkey do!

The Captain only, may ask the management (of his own team) to cease such behavior by his own team or raise the matter with the referee.

Match procedures for Parents/supporters

Remember this is their game -not yours ! therefore what children are exposed to seeing on the sidelines must be of the highest standards. Players will be empowered to not accept sub-standard behavior from anyone including their own parents. We all have a legal duty to protect children -The League, The Club, The Coaches, The Referee and more importantly their parents.

Both sets of supporters will be always assembled on opposite sides of the pitch. No coaching or instructions by parents at any time-this is the managements job, and they should not be undermined in their role-it shows a lack of respect to all concerned including your child.

There is no place for aggression, shouting or screaming in children’s sport and should Children really see their Parents or anyone behave like this at THEIR game.

Sponsor a Trophy 🏆

Remember a family member, a club volunteer, have your club partner with a trophy or have your business partner with one of our prestigious trophies 🏆🤝

All information below 🤝

Get in touch today 📲

Email: Gm@ddsl.ie
Phone: Mick Kennedy 0860580332
Chris Dodd: 0862061820

If you can kindly share 🤝⚽️