The 2019 SSE Airtricity National Underage Leagues have been launched, at the FAI National Training Centre. For the first time, an Under-13 National League will take place with all 20 SSE Airtricity League sides being joined by teams from Monaghan-Ca
The 2019 SSE Airtricity National Underage Leagues have been launched, at the FAI National Training Centre.
For the first time, an Under-13 National League will take place with all 20 SSE Airtricity League sides being joined by teams from Monaghan-Cavan FP, Mayo, Kerry and Klub Kildare.
The Under-19, Under-17 and Under-15 National Leagues continue to go from strength to strength, with Bohemians Under-19s, Finn Harps Under-17s and St. Patrick's Athletic Under-15s looking to retain their respective titles after all three teams won League and Cup doubles in 2018.
Alex McKenna of Drogheda United Under-13s, Glory Nzingo of St Patrick's Athletic Under-15s, Kian Moore of Shamrock Rovers Under-17s and Dylan Thornton of Bohemians Under-19s all joined FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter, FAI Competitions Director Fran Gavin and SSE Airtricity's Leanne Sheill at the launch.
FAI Competitions Director Fran Gavin says the Under-13 National League will prove very beneficial in the future development of players.
"With the introduction of the Under-13 National League, every young player now has the opportunity to play at the highest level on a national scale, in their local region. This give the players an opportunity to develop in an elite environment.
"All 20 SSE Airtricity League clubs and the five non-SSE Airtricity League entities have embraced the Underage National Leagues, and to their credit some fantastic young players are beginning to emerge, which looks extremely promising for the future of Irish football."
FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter says the launch of the Under-13s League is an important step for underage football in Ireland.
"We are delighted with the introduction of the Under-13 National League which is another step on the elite player pathway and also for our coaches and referees. We are now beginning to see the benefits of our Underage Leagues with first teams, and I look forward to following the progression of all four Leagues throughout the season."
SSE Airtricity's Leanne Sheill hopes the new season will be a massive success.
"SSE Airtricity are proud to continue supporting Irish football, especially the underage leagues which play such an important role in the national set-up. Investment at grassroots level is fundamentally important to ensure the continued growth in quality of Irish football.
"Having witnessed the success of the Under-19s, Under-17s and Under-15s Leagues, it is only fitting that an Under-13 League has been formed. The National Under-13 Underage League is seen as the final step in the elite player development pathway in Ireland and we are happy to be a part of it.
"SSE Airtricity are extremely proud to continue their support of Irish Football. This year we want football fans around the country to Light Up Your Nights by enjoying the incredible atmosphere and excitement these leagues deliver every week. The underage leagues provide a platform for the future stars of Irish football and, as fans, we’re looking forward to seeing another great season across all age groups.
"On that note, I would like to wish all the players and management involved in the SSE Airtricity National Underage Leagues the very best of luck for the coming season."
The SSE Airtricity Under-17 National League kicks off this weekend, with the remaining three leagues beginning in mid-March.
The Fixture Lists for all four Leagues can be found below:
Under-19 Underage League Northern Division
Under-19 Underage League Southern Division
Under-17 Underage League Northern Division
Under-17 Underage League Southern Division
Under-15 Underage League
Under-13 Underage League
