PATHWAY FOR A NEW FUTURE

UNPRECEDENTED winds of change are billowing through Non-League football circles in the Republic of Ireland.

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While clubs involved play in regionalised Intermediate leagues, there is presently no promotion to the national League of Ireland (LOI) which comprises two divisions of 10 teams each in the Premier and First Divisions.

However, the FA of Ireland recently asked for expressions of interest from ambitious Non-League sides to form a new 20 team third tier, feeding directly into the LOI First Division.

Containing two divisions split into North and South sections, it is due to begin next year shaping part of a ground-breaking “Football Pathways Plan”.

I understand 72 Non-League clubs have responded positively. This should lead to a formal pyramid being established in Ireland similar to the England’s buoyant National League System.

To investigate further, I flew over to the Emerald Isle last week. I subsequently watched four Dublin-based Non-League teams, from the Leinster Senior League, compete in the First Round of the FAI Cup.

I spoke to various club officials regarding their future options of possible elevation to the LOI and, significantly, they all stressed the importance of balancing first team advancement with extensive community links...

Thursday May 15

Wayside Celtic 4

River Valley Rangers 0

Attendance 105, at Jackson Park, Kilternan

WAYSIDE Celtic treasurer Harry Traynor told me: “I hear many varying opinions on the FAI Football Pathways Plan. Currently there is no progression from Intermediate leagues to the LOI.