New teams mark start of EA SPORTS LOI Academy season
The new EA SPORTS LOI Academy season was launched today at FAI HQ in Abbotstown marked by new teams entering the WU19 League.
The new 2025 season has gotten underway across all Leagues with three new teams included for the first time.
St. Patrick’s Athletic have started the new season in the WU19 League after previously entering the WU17 League marking a continuation of their progress in the women’s game.
After last year’s introduction to the League of Ireland, Mayo continue their development too with a team entered into the WU19 League which has also seen Longford Town enter a team for the first time too.
Klub Kildare have also entered the WU17 League too extending their LOI imprint.
Having won the EA SPORTS LOI Academy MU17 League last season, Shelbourne will enter the UEFA Youth League this summer after UCD represented the League of Ireland terrifically in 2024.
With players continuing to break into the League of Ireland senior Divisions and make an impact at home and abroad as well as in European competition, 2025 is set to be an another exciting year for the players involved.
As well as the EA SPORTS LOI Academy Leagues for MU14, MU15, MU17, MU20, WU17 and WU19 age groups, we will host a series of Development Weekends in the season as well as the Cup competitions and Finals.
LOI Academy Development Manager, Will Clarke, said: “We’re delighted to welcome in three more teams into the EA SPORTS LOI Academy system as the Academy goes from strength to strength each year with excellent work being done by the Clubs marking great progress of our players. This is seen in the Republic of Ireland MU17 team qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with 11 current players in the Academy part of the squad while 15 came through the system. This also comes with Mason Melia’s record transfer announced and Shamrock Rovers featuring Academy players in the UEFA Conference League League Phase showing further progress within the Academy. We’s like to wish all the players, staff and volunteers the best of luck this season and look forward to a great year.”
