To All Club Secretaries:

Following on from our FSMT (Football Senior Management Team) meeting recently, please see below a number of important issues:

CLOSING/OPENING DATES SEASON 2025/26:

 As you are aware this weekend 13^th/14^th December 2025 will be the last weekend for Fixtures for the first half of the season. The following are the openings dates for fixtures in January 2026 together with a number of DDSL/SFAI/FAI/LFA Cup games included:

• Weekend 3^rd/4^th January : No Games
• Weekend 10^th/11^th January: SFAI ‘Catch Up Games’ will be Scheduled. Clubs by agreement may play at earlier times subject to League permission
• Weekend 17^th/18^th January: All DDSL Divisions aged u11 and above will have full schedule. Some u17s/18s may have various cup games
• Weekend 24^th/25^th January: Full fixture list for all ages which will include Boys/Girls u8’s to u10’s; DDSL Cup Games, and LFA/FAI cup games.
• Weekend 31^st/1^st: January/February: DDSL League Games/SFAI Cup Games and some DDSL Cup games

 

• Note Weekend 9^th/10^th May: SFAI Cup Finals
• Note Weekends 16^th/17^th May & 23^rd/24^th May 2026 DDSL Cup Finals over two weekends.

RESULTS:

• Please ensure to forward all results to results@ddsl.ie & please also include the relevant DDSL Fixture Secretaries as they can cross check results in the event of a dispute/discrepancy
• Any changes/queries must be notified to the DDSL Fixture Secretaries before the 31^st December 2025

Club Results Officials

Following on from our notification mail on the 14^th of November where we announced a Phase 1 release to clubs

We have had 54 clubs respond with a dedicated Results Official to date. These Results Officials will have received an intro email with follow on instructions to assist in the input of their club’s Home results.

This function allows clubs:

• Input results immediately following the Home game.
• Automatically update the fixtures result live on the Web and the League App.
• Automatically update the Competition Table live on the Web and the League App.

Any club yet to avail can do so by sending in their details as below to admin@ddsl.ie as soon as possible.

1. Club Name:
2. Results Official Name:
3. Results Official email address:

Phase 2 of this project will go live in 2026 whereby a club can provide multiple Results Officials to carry out the function.

DDSL SECRETARY/BDO & REFEREE Next Meetings in 2026:

• Please note the next DDSL REFEREE meeting will take place in the Sports Conference Room Abbotstown (Next to the FAI H/O) on Monday 19^th January 2026 from 7.30pm to 9.15pm.
• Please note the next DDSL Club Secretaries/BDO meeting will take place in the Sports Conference Room (Next to the FAI H/O) on Monday 26^thJanuary 2026 from 7.30pm to 9.15pm. All clubs required to be present.

TRANSFER WINDOW 2026:

• Players at all AGES can transfer from the 1^st January to the 28^th January 2026. NOTE : There will be NO ‘Transfers’ allowed after the official closing Transfer Window date of the 28^th Jan 2026.
• Please note …as per our DDSL Rule Book….Players are not allowed to play ‘Across their Own Age Group’ This also applies to the SSG. E.g. u9-1 Sat player cannot play Sun u9-4 etc. We have received a number of reports where players in the SSG are playing both Sat & Sun for the same club & age group….resulting in other players on the Sunday team not been allocating the proper minimum ’Playing Times’ Please ensure all your manager/coaches are updated on these issues/rules.
• Clubs are reminded to check all panels to ensure all your players are registered. The league (as last year)will undertake an audit of all clubs & Teams over the coming weeks on registration numbers. We will also be auditing match cards to ensure compliance and to ensure every child is insured and protected while playing in the DDSL.
• Please be aware of the consequences of unregistered players which is detailed the Rules

 

FINES:

• All O/S fines must be paid before the commencement of the 2^nd half of the season.

DDSL CUPS RETURNED:

As you are aware, we have been in contact with all Clubs who were successful in winning Cups as League Winners or/and Cup Finals for last season. We have a total of 239 Cups to be returned & thank you to all those clubs who have returned their Cups on time. However, there are still 70+ Cups that have not yet been returned despite the League extending the deadline twice. See rule & fine below.

Reminder of DDSL Rule : Section 1 Rule 3.3

All Cups and League trophies must be returned to the league no later than 31st of October every year. Failure to do so shall result in a fine of €100 per week or part of. Clubs in possession of cups shall be notified in writing prior to this deadline to return same. Clubs who fail to return cups within sixty days after the listed return date, in addition to the listed fines, will incur a full replacement cost of the cup or €750.00 whichever is the greater. Clubs failing to make full payment within thirty days of an issued invoice will have all club games suspended pending league action.

SSG SURVEYS/RE-GRADING:

• There will be the normal Re-grading for the SSG Divisions/Teams which will depend mainly on the Surveys for u8’s/u9’s…..u10’s (Plus Results Received). The u11’s will be based on Results/Requests only.
• Surveys Forms are Available now as advised in our last e-mail on Thursday & must be completed by Friday 19^thDecember 2025 to be included for the re-grading.
• Teams/coaches not completing these ‘Survey Forms….will not be included in any re-grading process.

NEW SSG TEAMS:

• New teams from ‘Existing Clubs Only’ are permitted to enter for the 2^nd Half of the Season for Age Groups Boys/Girls u8’ to u11’s only (NO New Teams permitted for ‘Competition Divisions’ (u12 to u18’s)
• Please notify Regerations@ddsl.ie & contact Mick for New Boys u8 to u10 Teams; Conor Boys U11’s & Zoe for Girls Teams.
• Closing date for new teams applying will be the Sunday 21st^t Dec 2025
• There will be no cost for these teams.
• However, all players with these new Teams must pay & register on ‘Sportlomo’.
• U7’s Boys/Girls Divisions. As per previous years, there will be new Divisions set up for u7’s Boys/Girls….due to start in March. Dates & more information to follow.

 

XMAS FOOTBALL FOR ALL

• Our next DDSL Football for All Blitz will take place next Sunday 21^st December from 10am to 12.30pm on the ‘Indoor Astro’ in the sports Ireland Complex in Abbotstown.  Details available with Santa/Mrs Clause/ Selection Boxes included etc.
• We currently have 100+ players participating
• However, if there are any clubs who have a small number of players with ‘Special Needs’ & are not yet involved with FFA, let me know …at gm@ddsl.ie….& I will look to include them in the Blitz. A great way for new players/parents to get involved & see what great opportunities there are available.

 

DDSL ‘BORN TO LEAD ‘ Programme for Junior Match Officials (JMO): REMINDER:

As per our previous e-mail on the 8^Th December, please look to encourage & recruit as many Junior Match Officials as you can.

• Al clubs are asked to recruit two (2) refs per six (6) SSG teams up to under 11 to join and kick start the programme.
• The registration link for all registrations is

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

 DDSL WALKING FOOTBALL INTRODUCTION:

As you are aware, there is currently ‘Walking Football’ in place & run by different organisations. The DDSL are planning to set-up ‘Walking Football’ for our own Clubs/Members which will be based on ‘Non-Competition/ Fun’. It will be a great way for keeping Men/Women active as well as getting them involved with their local clubs.  We have spoken with a number of Clubs/Councils/GP’s etc….very well received & therefore we hope to launch in the 2^nd Half of the season. See below some proposals & we would be grateful for any suggestions/ideas/comments.  Please contact Mick at gm@ddsl.ie for further updates or suggestions etc

 

DDSL Launches ‘BORN TO LEAD’ programme to tackle referee shortage in Dublin.

The DDSL along with its award winning ‘Its My Game’ campaign and media partnersQ102 have launched a programme to attract young players with clubs to Become Junior Match officials (JMO’s) and start assisting in games in the small sided game which has over 1200 games every weekend .

As communicated to clubs a few weeks back ,the league is now launching our programme to address the huge shortage of referees in the Grassroots game in Dublin.

The ‘Born to Lead’ programme is targeting all players in clubs aged 16 and over to get involved and start refereeing all non-competitive games in the league.

All clubs are asked to recruit Two (2) young refs for every six (6) SSG teams in their club with a view to have the programme up and running by the time we return in late January.

We are attaching several posters  and asking for your help in the promotion and awareness of the ‘Born To Lead’ initiative for clubs to print off, post on social media etc. to achieve the goal of getting 500 young players involved.

These posters are an Interactive PDF so that the “Click here” text will direct you to the website when clicked. 

This will only work when opened and clicked as a PDF. The URL (link below) will have to be added to the post if posted on Instagram, Facebook etc.

We are asking every stakeholder in children’s sport to be very proactive in this initiative over the next 4 weeks encouraging young players to register.

We will be running Radio, social media campaigns over the coming weeks to encourage young people to get involved.

This initiative will involve the League, Clubs, volunteers and parents working together to encourage, develop, mentor young club members to take up refereeing and promote Young Leaders within our Game.

 

All clubs are asked to recruit two (2) refs per six (6) SSG teams up to under 11 to join and kick start the programme.

 

The programme will be based on.

1.All candidates must be a club member and/or registered player/official with the DDSL.

2.All must have reached their 16^th Birthday as of 1^st January 2026.

3.Each Member will receive on-line support, on-line training, Gear, and other benefits whilst on the programme.

4.Each registered member will be fully insured under the DDSL Player Programme.

5.JMO’s will be allocated by their clubs to all games up to U11 in the initial phase.

6.JMO’s will be under the supervision of Clubs BDO’s or nominated persons in a club.

7. There will be serious sanctions on any abuse to JMO’s including no games!

8.It is open to players/people who already referee games in their clubs (Young & Old).

The programme will also

1.be Supported by a team of experienced Referees offering support, training, and help (including on-line and phone support)

2.create a programme that is fun, respectful, and enjoyable for these young referees.

3. allow the ability to earn a Match fees(as per FAI) in the sport they love and recognise their role in the game.

4. More importantly build young leaders for the future and promote respect in life!

5. include a team of observers visiting clubs and helping BDO’s and young refs.

6. fund young referees in FAI courses, seminars should they wish to progress in the game !

We are attaching posters that your club can use to promote the launch along with running campaigns over all social media channels and all media partners.

More information will be provided to all clubs and registered JMO’s in early January.

The registration link for all registrations is

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

We are launching the programme NOW starting with a registration process and will start communicating with all parties over the next month.

We feel it is now time for all stakeholders (together) to address the future of refereeing in football ,to ensure we continue to provide the respect and culture our young players deserve.

Thanking you in advance and any queries can be directed to jmo@ddsl.ie

2907 – Become a Referee_Interactive Link_Instagram Post

2907 – Become a Referee_Interactive Link_Poster

Presenting your DDSL x Dublin’s Q102 Unsung Heroes 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️⚽️

Thank you to all who voted & well done to all who where voted for 👏🏻

Photos @strikeronline 🤝

Our 10 Unsung heroes
Billy Freeland (Leicester Celtic)
Christy Kiernan (Glasnevin FC)
Damien Kilpatrick (Broadford Rovers FC)
Elaine Harrington (Peamount United)
Grace Richardson (Sheriff YC)
Lee Doyle (Sporting Greystones)
Rachel Starrs (Finglas United)
Sabrina Burke (Crumlin United)
Tony McEvoy (Hartstown Hunstown FC)
Rob Henderson (Stella Maris FC)

#herores #q102unsungheroes #ddslunsungheroes

 

DDSL UPDATES:

DDSL CLOSING/OPENING DATES:

• The closing date for all fixtures including SSG will be Fri/Sat/Sun 12^th/13^th/14^thDecember.
• We await the update from the different County Councils on their opening of their ‘Parks/Pitches’. Once we are notified on these dates, we will confirm the dates for the different Age groups to return with fixtures in the New Year…for the 2^nd half of the season
• We will be encouraging all clubs to continue to play ‘Competitive Games’ during the break due to the weather in the last few weeks. Cup games will be the focus and clubs with facilities are encouraged to play as much as possible. All games must be approved by the league secretaries in advance.

 

SILENT/SIDELINES

• As there continues to be more Disciplinary Issues relating to ‘Sideline Behaviour’ we will be introducing dates for all clubs to follow our ‘Silent Sideline’ initiative. In the past this has worked very well & thank you to the clubs for observing this.
• Dates for ‘Silent Sideline’ to be observed
• 2025: Weekend of; NOV 29^th/30^th; DEC 13^th/14^th
• 2026: Weekend of: JAN 24^th/25^th; FEB 7^th/8^th ; 21^st/22^nd; MARCH 14^th/15^th; 28^th/29^th; APRIL 18^th/19^th; All of MAY
• All clubs are expected to enforce and promotes these activities to create the right environment that all players deserve

DDSL CUP FINALS DATES:

• The DDSL Cup Finals will be held in the AUL Complex again this season. However, for season 2025/2026 there will be 2x weekends where the Cup finals will be played as the number of Cup Finals continues to increase
• Dates: Weekends: May 16^th/17^th & 23^rd/24^th.
• There will be 2x Sets of Cups Final Times each day. This will help with the managing of the event/car parking
• A schedule of all finals will be issued in the coming weeks and as in previous years cancelations will not be permitted.

 

RETURNED LEAGUE & CUP FINAL CUPS

• As you are aware, all Cups were due to be returned by the 31^st October 2025. Thank you to those close clubs who have returned their Cups.
• There are 239 Cups in total to be returned & as of now…more than half of the CUPS have yet to be returned.
• As stated on our initial e-mail re ‘Returned Cups’ we will begin to issue fines to clubs for failure to return the Cups ASAP
• If myself or any other DDSL official are not present in the DDSL offices in Abbotstown….Cups can be left at the FAI Reception where we have a ‘DDSL Registration Returned Cup’ sheet to be completed on returning the Cups. Their office hours are strictly 9.30am to 1pm & 2pm to 4.30pm. The Cups can also be returned to ‘FAI Security’/Reception’ from 5.30pm to 8.30pm Monday’s/Thursdays only.
• Clubs not returning cups on or before 1^st December will be subject to weekly fines as per the DDSL rule book….you have been told!

TRANSFER WINDOW 2026:

• Please see attached the FAI Winter Transfer Dates. Players at all ages can transfer from the 1^st January to the 28^th January 2026. NOTE : There will be no ‘Transfers’ allowed after the official closing Transfer Window date of the 28^th Jan 2026.
• Please note …as per our DDSL Rule Book….players are not allowed to play ‘Across their Own Age Group’ This also applies to the SSG. E.g. u9-1 Sat player cannot play Sun u9-4 etc. We have received a number of reports where players in the SSG are playing both Sat & Sun for the same club & age group….resulting in other players on the Sunday team not been allocating the proper minimum ’Playing Times’ Please ensure all your manager/coaches are updated on these issues/rules.
• Clubs are reminded to check all panels to ensure all your players are registered. The league (as last year)will undertake an audit of all clubs & Teams over the coming weeks on registration numbers.We will also be auditing match cards to ensure compliance and to ensure evey child is insured and protected while playing in the DDSL.
• Please be aware of the consequences of unregistered players which is detailed the Rules

SSG SURVEYS

• As normal there will be the normal Re-grading for the SSG Divisions/Teams which will depend mainly on the Surveys for u8’s/u9’s…..u10’s (Plus Results Received). The u11’s will be based on Results/Requests only.
• We will issue these Surveys for u8’s to u10’s for Boys/Girls in late November. Teams/coaches not completing these ‘Survey Forms….will not be included in any re-grading process.

RESULTS

• There ae still a good number of results not been returned. If you are one of these clubs, please ensure your results are returned to results@ddsl.ie every week & cc’d to the relevant DDSL Fixture Secretaries as it is creating more work for our ‘Fixture Secretaries’ chasing up results.
• Where Cup Games are played…please have these results returned ASAP as future fixtures will need to be changed taking into account the Winners etc.
• Where your games are postponed….we still need to know if the game was not played otherwise, we are chasing clubs to confirm whether the games were played etc
• For All Secretaries…please have your managers of each team…along with yourself…. To check all your results to ensure the results are correct. As we enter the 2^nd half of the season, the results published will be the results recorded entering into the 2^nd half of the season. Therefore, if there are any results incorrect, you must contact results@ddsl.ie & the relevant fixture Secretary ASAP  to investigate. All these queries must be completed before the 2^nd half of the season otherwise the results recorded will remain in place.

FOOTBALL FOR ALL

• We now have up to 20 DDSL Clubs with 35+ teams & up to 250+ players.
• For those existing clubs, please ensure your players are registered with the DDSL as we want all players to be part of the DDSL & covered by Insurance. Previous details were already forwarded to all clubs. Any issues, let me know
• For any Clubs, looking to set up a ‘Football for All’ section…please contact me at the details below. Most of our FFA players still continue to join our clubs….through ‘Word of Mouth’ We intend to publicise FFA on a wider scale to ensure as many parents/players/organisations i.e. Down syndrome Ire etc are aware of opportunity to play football at any level.
• There will be ‘Football for All’ Introduction & Coaching Course’ organised shortly for any existing coaches/parents who would like to get involved. Well worth it. Again e-mail me if interested.
• Next DDSL Football for All Blitz will take place  on Sunday 21^st December on the ‘Indoor Astro’. Details to follow with Santa/Selection Boxes included etc.

DDSL 3v3: REMINDER

110 Boys & Girls teams booked in to date with a good spread of divisions. Places are limited at some age groups.

Please share amongst coaches in your clubs.

3v3 Skills Festival – 15^th & 16^th November 2025

We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming 3v3 Skills Festival at the Sport Ireland Indoor Dome, Abbotstown, taking place on 15th & 16th November

This fun-filled event is open to boys and girls aged U7–U11 (born 2015–2019) and will feature:

⚽ Fast-paced 3v3 games
🎯 Engaging skill sessions
👥 Squads of 4 players
💶 €60 per squad (+ booking fee)

📍 Location: Sport Ireland Indoor Dome, Abbotstown
📅 Dates: 15th & 16th November
🔗 Booking: HERE

 

 

DDSL Workshops

 

Please share with your coaches.

DDSL Workshop	Topic	Venue	Date	Time	Book
Coerver Coaching Workshop	Ball Mastery & 1v1s Level 2	Abbotstown	10th November	7pm-9pm	HERE
FAST Workshop	Will further educate coaches on the theory & practical application on the fundamentals of movement & speed. Part 3	Abbotstown	17th November	7pm-9pm	HERE
DDSL Club Workshop	Developing Touch	TBC (Northside)	17th November	7pm-9pm	HERE
Coerver Coaching Workshop	2v2s & Small Group Play Level 2	Abbotstown	24th November	7pm-9pm	HERE
FAST Workshop	Will further educate coaches on the theory & practical application on the fundamentals of movement & speed. Part 4	Abbotstown	1st December	7pm-9pm	HERE
DDSL Club Workshop	Developing Touch	TBC (Southside)	1st December	7pm-9pm	HERE
Coerver Coaching Workshop	Passing & Receiving Level 2	Abbotstown	8th December	7pm-9pm	HERE

The DDSL are part of a working group with the DPC  have launched the first conference to help organisations and clubs in the many challenges and supports surrounding Data Protection.

We are asking all clubs in the League where possible, to send a representative to this conference on the 28^th November in Croke Park.

We attach an invitation for club representatives  and ask you to respond early as spaces are limited.

Thanking you

 

DPC Sports Conference_Invite_Final