GENERAL NOTICE TO ALL ELIGIBLE CLUBS IN RELATION TO THE EOI PROCESS
Current Status: OPEN
The process to complete your clubs Expression of Interest remains Open until 5PM on Friday June 27TH 2025
All eligible club Secretaries will be in receipt of an instruction email to assist in completing the process.
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,
Southside clubs
Thursday 26th June 7pm – Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown
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 !
As we come to the end of the SSG season with the last fixtures taking place this weekend, please see below the ‘Survey Link’ to be completed by all DDSL managers/coaches for the u7’s; u8’s u9’s & u10’s. Both for Boys & Girls Divisions.
As part of the EOI process which will open from the 31st May 2025, all managers/coaches are required to complete the ‘Survey Form’. These Surveys together with results received will determine which Divisions your teams will be allocated to…subject to the proper EOI process.
Please ensure your managers/coaches are aware of the importance in completing these Surveys as many managers/coaches were not forwarded this information last season. The Surveys/Results will make it easier for us to allocate teams to the correct Divisions/Standard etc.
Please note the u11’s teams…both Boys & Girls Divisions…are not required to complete the ‘Survey’ as the results received from the current season will determine the allocation to the u12 Divisions for next season.
LINK:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QRRCTV5
Please have your managers/coaches complete/return the ‘Survey’ before Sunday 1st June 2025.
Any issues please contact Mick Kennedy for Boys Divisions/Zoe Poole for Girls Divisions…for U7’s to u10’s.
Yours in Sport
DDSL FSMT (Football Senior Management Team)
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.
A deduction of 6 points and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €100 fine.
A deduction of 12 points, and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €300 fine.
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.
DDSL FSMT
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:
“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
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 30th 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 31st 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 7th to Friday May 9th 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
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 30th 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 31st 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 7th to Friday May 9th 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
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/Sunday28/29th/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 28th 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.
The Dublin and District Schoolboys'/Girls' League (DDSL)
