InTouch Magazine – May 2026
Please Click Link Below to read Mays issue of our InTouch Magazine
DDSL x Lifestyle Sports
DDSL is proud to announce a new partnership with Life Style Sports, Ireland’s largest sports retailer, as our official sports retail partner.
The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared passion for sport, participation and community development. As part of the partnership, DDSL members will be able to avail of an exclusive 12.5% discount through Life Style Sports, helping make football boots, training gear and sports essentials more accessible throughout the season.
As one of Ireland’s most respected youth football leagues, DDSL has played a central role in developing young talent and creating opportunities for thousands of boys and girls to enjoy football in an organised, inclusive and competitive environment. Many of Ireland’s top players began their journeys in grassroots leagues such as DDSL, highlighting the vital role community football plays in the future of the game.
Life Style Sports has long been committed to Irish sport through partnerships with clubs, organisations and communities nationwide. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Dublin, the retailer has grown into one of the most recognisable names in Irish sporting retail, offering leading global brands alongside strong support for local sport.
There will be a Life Style Sports Zone at the upcoming DDSL Cup Finals, where players, families and supporters can attempt to “Crack the Code” for a chance to win an elite pair of football boots alongside other exciting prizes. DDSL members can also use their exclusive 12.5% discount to purchase football boots and the latest Premier League Club jerseys at the Life Style Sports Zone.
Niall O’Driscoll, Chairman of the DDSL, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Life Style Sports as our Official Sports Retail Partner. This partnership represents a strong alignment of values around participation, development and community, and we look forward to working together to support grassroots football across the league.”
Mark Stafford, CEO at Life Style Sports, comments on the partnership:
“We are incredibly proud to partner with DDSL, an organisation that has made such a positive impact on youth football for generations. Grassroots sport is at the heart of communities across Ireland, and we are excited to support the players, clubs, families and volunteers who give so much to the game every week.”
About DDSL
The Dublin & District Schoolboys/Girls League (DDSL) is one of Ireland’s leading youth football leagues, providing organised football for more than 50,000 players across Dublin and surrounding areas, supported by over 12,000 volunteers who help drive grassroots football in their communities.
About Life Style Sports
Life Style Sports is Ireland’s largest sports retailer, offering the latest sports footwear, apparel and equipment from the world’s leading brands through stores nationwide and online.
Life Style Sports: DDSL’s Official Sports Retail Partner
DDSL is proud to announce a new partnership with Life Style Sports, Ireland’s largest sports retailer, as our official sports retail partner.
The partnership brings together two organisations with a shared passion for sport, participation and community development. As part of the partnership, DDSL members will be able to avail of an exclusive 12.5% discount through Life Style Sports, helping make football boots, training gear and sports essentials more accessible throughout the season.
As one of Ireland’s most respected youth football leagues, DDSL has played a central role in developing young talent and creating opportunities for thousands of boys and girls to enjoy football in an organised, inclusive and competitive environment. Many of Ireland’s top players began their journeys in grassroots leagues such as DDSL, highlighting the vital role community football plays in the future of the game.
Life Style Sports has long been committed to Irish sport through partnerships with clubs, organisations and communities nationwide. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Dublin, the retailer has grown into one of the most recognisable names in Irish sporting retail, offering leading global brands alongside strong support for local sport.
There will be a Life Style Sports Zone at the upcoming DDSL Cup Finals, where players, families and supporters can attempt to “Crack the Code” for a chance to win an elite pair of football boots alongside other exciting prizes. DDSL members can also use their exclusive 12.5% discount to purchase football boots and the latest Premier League Club jerseys at the Life Style Sports Zone.
Niall O’Driscoll, Chairman of the DDSL, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Life Style Sports as our Official Sports Retail Partner. This partnership represents a strong alignment of values around participation, development and community, and we look forward to working together to support grassroots football across the league.”
Mark Stafford, CEO at Life Style Sports, comments on the partnership:
“We are incredibly proud to partner with DDSL, an organisation that has made such a positive impact on youth football for generations. Grassroots sport is at the heart of communities across Ireland, and we are excited to support the players, clubs, families and volunteers who give so much to the game every week.”
About DDSL
The Dublin & District Schoolboys/Girls League (DDSL) is one of Ireland’s leading youth football leagues, providing organised football for more than 50,000 players across Dublin and surrounding areas, supported by over 12,000 volunteers who help drive grassroots football in their communities.
About Life Style Sports
Life Style Sports is Ireland’s largest sports retailer, offering the latest sports footwear, apparel and equipment from the world’s leading brands through stores nationwide and online.
Expression of Interest Update
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST UPDATE NOTICE:
The League have extended the Closing Date for the submission of Expression of Interest applications to Tuesday 19th May @ 5PM to assist all our member clubs.
Please be advised that this will be the final close date in order to allow the league process for the new season 2026 – 2027.
We ask clubs to pay particular attention to the upload of required information, please insure the relevant document is uploaded in the relevant section of the form.
- [Public Liability Certificate] Please do not upload an Indemnity Letter.
- [Club Mark FAI Status Letter] Please insure that you upload the Letter of Confirmation – or Letter of status such as Active – Confirmed from the FAI.
Please seek assistance at \ or send any related communications to eoi@ddsl.ie.
Finals Ticket – On Sale Now
Public Ticket sales are open from Wednesday 6th May at 9 am. Please see link below for you to distribute to your parents or put on your social media etc.
https://ddsl.sportsmanager.ie/sportlomo/registration/event-registration/index/17411
Scanning of tickets will operate at the venue this year and important to note no tickets/cash sales will be taken at the venue as it is expected to sell out.
Just like to thank everyone for helping in getting the games ready(which has been a challenge this year) and it is important that we all ensure a great day in creating memories for the children who are lucky to be in a final ! remember it is about their memories !
April – Coach Education
Please see below DDSL Workshops coming up next week. Please share with coaches, parents and players (16+) in your club. Booking links below. Thanks
Encouraging Improvisation and Flair
Audience: U7–U16 Coaches
Location: Abbotstown
Date: 13/04/2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Registration: Sportlomo : Event Registration
Location: Abbotstown
Date: 13/04/2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Registration: Sportlomo : Event Registration
Passing & Support Play in 5v2, 3v1 & 4v2 Rondos
Audience: U7–U16 Coaches
Location: Leixlip Utd FC
Date: 14/04/2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Registration: Sportlomo : Event Registration
Location: Leixlip Utd FC
Date: 14/04/2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Registration: Sportlomo : Event Registration
The Fundamental Aspects of Being a Goalkeeper & Supporting Young Goalkeepers
Audience: U8–U18 Coaches
Location: Homefarm FC
Date: 15/04/2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Registration: Sportlomo : Event Registration
Location: Homefarm FC
Date: 15/04/2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Registration: Sportlomo : Event Registration
Hugo Faria – “King of Fun” Technical Session Workshop
Theme: High‑energy, engaging technical session delivery with Hugo Faria
Location: Sport Ireland Conference Centre, Abbotstown
Date: 22/04/2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Booking: Sportlomo : Event Registration
Sessions For A Season
Audience: U7–U12 Coaches
Host Club: Drogheda Boys/Girls
Date: 20th April 2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Host Club: Drogheda Boys/Girls
Date: 20th April 2026
Time: 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free
Theme:
A practical, hands‑on workshop designed to help coaches plan and deliver a full season of engaging, age‑appropriate sessions for U7–U12 players. Coaches will leave with clear structures, sample session plans, and strategies to keep players motivated across the entire year.
A practical, hands‑on workshop designed to help coaches plan and deliver a full season of engaging, age‑appropriate sessions for U7–U12 players. Coaches will leave with clear structures, sample session plans, and strategies to keep players motivated across the entire year.
Booking: Sportlomo : Event Registration
Click Below to Register
Sponsor a Trophy
We are reaching out again to invite clubs to be part of a special initiative that celebrates the dedication and contributions of your club’s volunteers and legends who have left a lasting impact on both your club and the whole soccer community. This initiative was introduced last season & was a great success.
Your club’s history is built on the dedication and passion of its volunteers and legendsand now, you have the opportunity to honor their legacy in a truly meaningful way.
We are inviting clubs to sponsor a trophy in their name—a fabulous tribute to those who have shaped your club’s journey. This is your chance to celebrate a cherished volunteer or club legend, including those who are no longer with us, ensuring their name remains forever tied to the club and the game they loved.
The named trophy will be awarded annually for the next five years and can be presented by a family member or club official. This powerful gesture will not only recognize their contributions but also inspire future generations to carry on their legacy.
Would your club be interested in supporting this initiative?
Please see attached the ‘Trophy Sponsorship Poster’ with further information. Once you are happy to sponsor a Cup please complete the form attached & forward all correspondence to Mick Kennedy at gm@ddsl.ie
More information
Expression of Interest for the season 2026 – 2027
Expression of Interest for the season 2026 – 2027 will open on April 1st @ 6PM and will remain open until May 15th @ 5PM.
Clubs who fail to complete their application before the close date will be placed on a wait list and reviewed by the FSMT and the Submissions Committee.
Expression of Interest season 2026 – 2027 application criteria.
The Expression of Interest is open to all current DDSL member clubs only.
The Expression of Interest application process which is Phase 1 has two sections applied.
- All clubs please complete Section 1.
- Clubs who are involved in transferring teams from another league please complete Section 1 and Section 2.
DDSL x ADHD Ireland Presentation
DDSL x ADHD Presentation last evening in Abbotstown which was very well attended.
The DDSL were delighted to be part of this important presentation to highlight the issues/difficulties for players/coaches in dealing with ADHD.
Thanks to the following for been part of this presentation.
INTRODUCTION: Mick Kennedy
- Ann Murray Shelbourne Fc
- DDSL Director of Football Barry Ferguson
- Ken Kilbride; CEO ADHD Ireland: ‘Power Point’ Presentation
- Barry Heneghan TD: Barry to speak after Ken’s presentation on ADHD
Any comments/suggestions can be forwarded to Mick Kennedy at gm@ddsl.ie
The Dublin and District Schoolboys'/Girls' League (DDSL)