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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.

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
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
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

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
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.
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

 

DDSL Logo

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

 

 

New Online FAI Safeguarding Course

Please see below details of a new ‘FAI Online Safeguarding 1 Course’

Please ensure all your managers/coaches complete or have completed this course as well as all been ‘Garda Vetted.

We are pleased to provide you details of the new online FAI Safeguarding 1 course.

FAI Safeguarding 1- Basic awareness:

This course is targeted at all volunteers, coaches, committee members and staff within a service for Children. It provides a good basic understanding of Child protection legislation and educates participants on the implementation of best practice in protecting the welfare of children involved in football.

The course should be refreshed every 3 years.

Duration:

Approx. 45 minutes of own learning time.

Method:

The course is an online modular course that the participant accesses via the learning pool system. The participant will read through the content of the course and complete knowledge-based checks throughout. At the end of the course there is a multiple-choice assessment to complete.

Once the participant has registered and paid for the course, they will receive an email from meandmylearning@fai.ie. This contains the link to the course on the Me & My Learning platform. Please note, the email will be sent to the email address on their Comet account. On completion of the course and the assessment, if passed, this will then reflect on the participant’s Comet profile.

Please find a link to the course below:

Safeguarding 1 Basic Awareness Online Course

If you have any questions, please email childwelfare@fai.ie. 

DDSL INTouch Magazine – May 2026

 

https://ddsl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DDSL-InTouch-May-2026_Pages-compressed-2.pdf

 

DDSL Cup Final Dates

We are delighted to announce the schedule of cup finals as of today, with over 97 cup finals taking place in what has become Ireland’s largest underage event of the year.

This is a massive undertaking for the league, involving 4,000 participants and almost 20,000 spectatorsacross both weekends.

The finals will take place on Saturday/Sunday 16th–17thand Saturday/Sunday 23rd–24th. There will be no more than two kick-off times per day, to help manage the large volume of cars and people attending.

We will need huge support from our clubs to ensure the smooth operation of this event. The focus on the day must always be about the players and the experience they have (win or lose). Everything we do impacts that experience, so thank you in advance for your cooperation and support.

Clubs are advised that no alterations or cancellationswill be permitted to the event schedule under any circumstances. Further information will be issued to teams and clubs as they progress to participating in finals.

Finalist packs will be issued closer to the event and will include player/coach wristbands, car park vouchers, match cards, and other relevant materials.

All tickets for the event will go on sale on 1st May, and the event is expected to sell out. Car parking is limited and also expected to fill quickly, so we strongly suggest clubs inform parents early and encourage car-pooling where possible. Fixtures and ticket links will be launched across all our website and social media channels on 5th May.

An online meeting for all managers of finalists will be held during the week before the finals (approximately 30 minutes).

This will cover key areas such as organising on the day, sideline behaviour, referee abuse, player registrations, and match cards. Please note that player panel validation and match cards will be completely onlinefor all finals. Clubs must ensure all panels are complete, with a registered coach assigned to each team to operate match cards for the finals.

Further communication will follow closer to the time. Along with our partners Q102, we will be piloting a number of initiatives during the event, including silent sidelines, and the support of clubs and parents will be essential to their success.

Attached Cup Final Days/Times below:

DDSL Cup Finals 2026

Join the DDSL JMO Programme

We are delighted with the response with almost 160 talented young people looking to get involved in the development of grassroots football in Dublin.

We are keen to keep the ball rolling and detail below some of the things we hope to include that ensures you experience is enjoyable in becoming

Leaders to the very young players in our league.

 

The programme will be based on the following .

  1. All candidates must be a club member and/or registered player/official with the DDSL.
  2. All must have reached their 16th Birthday as of 1st January 2026.
  3. 3. Each Member will receive on-line support, on-line training, Gear, and other benefits whilst on the programme.
  4. 4. Each registered member will be fully insured under the DDSL Player insurance Programme.
  5. 5. JMO’s will be allocated by their clubs to all games up to U11 in the initial phase.
  6. 6. JMO’s will be under the supervision of Clubs BDO’s or nominated person in a club.
  7. 7. There will be serious sanctions on any abuse to JMO’s including no games for offending clubs!
  8. 8. It is open to players/people who already referee games in their clubs (Young & Old).

The programme will offer as we develop.

  1. Supported by a team of experienced Referees offering support, training, and help (including on-line and phone support)
  2. 2. Create a programme that is fun, respectful, and enjoyable for young JMOs.
  3. 3. allow the ability to earn a Match fees (as per FAI rates) in the sport they love and recognise their role in the game.
  4. 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. 6. Fund young referees in FAI courses, seminars should they wish to progress in the game !

To Register your interest CLICK BELOW LINK:

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

So ,what can you do in the meantime……. Touch base with the person in your club who will look after you and/or fixtures to advise them of your interest

For any queries e-mail us at jmo@ddsl.ie

We look forward to hearing from you

Derek Gallagher