The Daily Star Ireland
Tonight, the FAI general assembly will vote on adopting a unified football calendar, which association president Paul Cooke has called “a defining vote in relation to the future of Irish football.”
The proposed alignment, part of the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan introduced by chief football officer Marc Canham last February, aims to synchronize the schedules for underage and adult amateur levels. Currently, most grassroots leagues run from August to May.
Under the new structure, children aged Under-5 to U12 would play year-round, divided into four segments: leagues and cups, futsal competitions, summer camps, and blitzes. The U13s to U16s would have a split season, while adult competitions would take place over a 12-month period.
If approved, the changes will be phased in: the U5s to U12s starting in January 2026, the U13s to U16s in January 2027, and adult amateur competitions by January 2028.
The FAI board supports the aligned calendar but has opted for a democratic vote requiring a 51% majority for approval. The grassroots game in Ireland is currently fragmented, with 72 leagues where 68% play a winter season and 32% play a calendar season. Ireland is unique in Europe, being the only UEFA country without an aligned football calendar.
The General Assembly comprises 135 members from three chambers: the Professional Football Chamber, the Amateur and Youth Chamber, and the National Body Chamber. Delegates can vote in person, online using the ElectionBuddy platform, or by email or text message.
In a letter to the general assembly members last month, Cooke expressed full support for the phased implementation of the aligned calendar, emphasizing the importance of providing future generations with a platform to reach their potential. He urged members to vote for change and embrace it to make a significant impact on Irish football.
