proposal for renovation of the association football league

1All illustrations, tables, dates, league positions, logos & sponsors contained within this document are for modelling purposes only & do not represent any approved

plans, intentions, decisions or otherwise of the association or any of its committees.

PROPOSAL FOR RADICAL OVERHAUL OF THE

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL LEAGUE STRUCTURE

2

Introduction Genesis II

It is recognised that the Genesis II report & the subsequent implementation process has injected a new level of ambition into the domestic game with regards to professionalism, licensing, holistic vision etc.

However like most ambitious projects it is prudent to review progress after a period and alter course as required, taking account of lessons learned.

Pyramid needed Although successful with regard to squad development the ‘A’ league is judged insufficient as a third

Tier A proposal is made to integrate Intermediate football with the LOI proper. Acting as a safety net

allowing relegated clubs & clubs facing administration to move down to regional leagues where costs are minimised & an element of competition is retained (unlike current ‘A’ league).

A ‘National Playoff’ system is envisaged as both an incentive for the development of the Intermediate game & a route into the LOI proper for ambitious teams.

No team shall go straight to the LOI Proper but must achieve it organically through the structure. Winter Football

A ‘Compromise Solution’ is proposed which would allow a partial return to winter football as well as a significant ‘lead up time’ before European Football

Encompasses a ‘Xmas Soccer Season’ as a marketable finale to the season with the last round of Premier games taking place on St. Stephens day followed by the FAI Cup Final on New Years Day

Major Reform!!! The reforms proposed in this document taken together are very substantial in both reach and

measure. The intention is to put this vision to consultation & gauge reaction of the various stakeholders in Irish

Football. Reforms can be carried out on the whole, partially or in stages & indeed the order of said stages can

be flexible. Further research is required concerning all of the issues highlighted & changes proposed in this

presentation, as well as with regard to how they may be implemented. i.e. All scheduling outlined is for modelling purposes only & much more in depth analysis with regard to both viability & procedure is envisaged prior to implementation.

All illustrations, tables, dates, league positions, logos & sponsors contained within this document are for modelling purposes only & do not represent any approved plans, intentions, decisions or otherwise of the association or any of its committees.



Three Tier System Tier 1: 18 Team Premier

It is hoped to grow the Premier division gradually to a max. 18 teams allowing for a 34 round league with all of the most recognisable teams playing each other twice.

Tier 2: 10 Team Championship 36 rounds of football Evenly matched opposition Avoid current scenario where new entrants like Mervue etc have no chance of progression

Tier3: National Intermediate Structure Northern, Southern , Eastern, Western & Central ‘Conference’ Divisions Relegated 1st division teams will enter competitive regional divisions; with reduced

travel costs & scaled down squads they may retain their fanbases & recover slowly i.e. Cases like Kilkenny City etc. wouldn’t have to die, just rescale.

Teams breaking licensing & administration rules can suffer real punishment being relegated down the divisions as far as Intermediate football

Tier 3a: National Intermediate Playoffs Funding/prize money/media attention source for Intermediate football Promotion & Relegation to 1st Div Monetary Incentive for teams to qualify to playoffs from respective divisions making

leagues more competitive Requires Major Scheduling Changes!!

Both LOI proper & Intermediate to finish in December Intermediate starts earlier (Feb) but takes a summer break

○ See Slides 10 & 11 for scheduling details



16-18 Team Premier League

10-12 Team Championship

8 Team National Playoffs

Eastern 1 3 Qualifiers

Eastern 2

Eastern 3

Eastern 4

Eastern 5

Southern 1 2 Qualifiers

Southern 2

Southern 3

Northern 1 Qualifier

Western 1 Qualifier

Central 1 Qualifier

Tier 1

Tier 2

Tier 3a

Tier 3



PremiershipShamrock Rovers

Cork City

Bohemians

Derry City

Sligo Rovers

Limerick

Galway United

St Pats

Waterford United

Shelbourne FC

Dundalk

Monaghan United

Sporting Fingal

Bray Wanderers

Drogheda

UCD

Finn Harps (Expansion)

Wexford Youths (Expansion)

18 Team Elite National Division 34 rounds of games Glamour teams/ties Larger attendances 1 home & 1 away fixture p.a. Gradual expansion to reach 18

Placings Winner - Champions League Places 2 & 3 – Europa League Places 1-6: Qualification for enhanced Setanta

Cup, or “byes” in other cup competitionso Keep more teams “in the mix” longer into the season

2 automatic promotion/relegation places p.a. o Affording more 1st Div teams opportunity of entry to

lucrative top division

2 teams enter relegation playoffo Keep more teams “in the mix”o Loser of 15 vs.16 (Prem) plays winner of 3 vs. 4 (1st)



National Championship

Cobh Ramblers

Athlone Town

Tullamore Town

Longford Town

Salthill Devon

Castlebar Celtic

Carlow

Tralee Dynamos

Mervue United

e.g. Kilkenny City (Expansion)

e.g. Newbridge Town (Expansion)

e.g. Mullingar (Expansion)

10 Team Nationwide Feeder Division 36 rounds of games Wide geographical spread Newcomers to the LOI proper are more likely to collect

points in this evenly matched division Top 4 of 10 positions “in play”

‘Carrot’ of a lucrative season in the Premier is attainable without risky financial (mis)management

2 home & 2 away fixtures p.a. Relegation keeps all places competitive Possibility of further expansion in the future should the

game grow in popularity / participation / attendance. Placings

Automatic Promotion: Winner & Runner-up Places 3 & 4: Promotion Playoffs Last: Automatic Relegation: in the event of a qualified

licensed club winning the Conferences Playoffs

Relegation Playoff: in the event of a qualified licensed club finishing runner up in the Conference playoffs to a non-qualified winner

Places 8 & 9: Relegation Playoff: in the event of a qualified licensed club finishing runner up in the Conference playoffs to an automatically promoted & qualified winner. Loser of 8 vs. 9 will play said runner up for 1st Div status

• Max of 2 teams relegated

7

Regional Intermediate Conferences Part 1: Create North, South, East, West & Central Conferences

East: Largest conference formed from LSL & other eastern teams wishing to apply South: Formed from MSL North: Formed from USL Central: Formed from CCFL + L/M/C & DL West: Formed from clubs in Galway, Mayo, Roscommon Sligo & Leitrim

○ Clubs may choose to play in a conference outside of their geographical region, bearing in mind they will have to travel more & may find qualification to playoffs more difficult. i.e. LSL clubs from the Central region may continue in East if they so wish

○ Clubs may even field separate teams in different conferences, however only 1 team from each club may enter the National Playoffs (Higher nominated team e.g. Supposing Port Laoise A (East) & Port Laoise B (Central) were to qualify only the nominated A team could progress)

National Playoffs○ To act as both a carrot and a prize money source, supporting & encouraging clubs from the sparser

regions (e.g. Connaught, rural Munster & rural Midlands) to enter & compete at an Intermediate level○ 8 Qualifiers – See overleaf

Part 2: Changeover of season (see slide11 for timelines)

Switching from a continuous August to May season to a two part February to December season Allowing for Promotion & Relegation to the National 1st Division should clubs so wish

There are numerous obstacles & challenges with regards to bringing about these sorts of changes to the intermediate league structure, not least convincing the numerous relevant stakeholders, scheduling a two part league ending in the winter time & travel costs, amongst others. However it is hoped that the incentive of a marketable national competition structure may, after further study & consultation, provide the impetus to achieve this vision. The changeover process can be designed to build this project to completion in stages.


8

8 Team National Playoffs

Eastern 1 3

Qualifiers

Eastern 2

Eastern 3

Eastern 4

Eastern 5

Southern 1 2 Qualifiers

Southern 2

Southern 3

Northern 1 Qualifier

Western 1 Qualifier

Central 1 Qualifier


Five Geographical Conferences

East – (3 qualifiers)

o Largest Conferenceo Most playoff spotso Applicant teams

o Saturday/Sunday lower divisions?o Applicants from AUL & other leagues?o Lose some sides to Central?

South – (2 qualifiers)

o Strong, established MSLo Attract new sides from further afield

North – (1 qualifier)

o Well established USLo Little structural change required

West – (1 qualifier)

o Need to form new intermediate divisiono Site of defunct CSL

o Bedding down of Intermediate division here to require close support & attention of authorities

Central – (1 qualifier)

o Inside LSL at momento Reduced geographical spread to make step up to

intermediate more viableo Bedding down of Intermediate division here to require

close support & attention of authorities

***Restructure of scheduling & structure are separate issues***

Regional Conferences

Regular season Senior, Junior &

Schoolboy District Leagues











National Conference Playoff Series

8 Team National Playoff competition ○ Held over 3 match days (1 week)○ Staged over Xmas period before cup final – Part of Xmas soccer season○ Matches held in regional stadia closest to home team (Tallaght, Turners Cross, Terryland, Athlone,

Brandywell) Can be expanded to 16 teams across 4 match days

Qualification from 5 Regional Intermediate Conferences○ North, South, East, West & Central

Weighting to take account of stronger regions: - East - 3 teams, South - 2,North -1 ,West - 1 & Central - 1 - Or for example: E6,S4,N2,W2,C2 in expanded format

Winning team gains automatic promotion to Div 1 (Subject to desire of club for promotion, fulfilment of licensing criteria etc.)

○ Runner-up eligible for playoff with second bottom team in Div 1 (Subject to desire of club for promotion, fulfilment of licensing criteria etc.)

○ Clubs may enter & win prize money without any intentions towards promotion

Opportunity for local & national media exposure, sponsorship, supporter buzz etc.○ Income source to invest as clubs see fit e.g. Training facilities, clubhouse, bars, stands etc.

Clear route to become recognised ‘National Intermediate Champion’ with minimal burden of nationwide travel○ Shop window/advancement route/scouting possibilities for ambitious young intermediate

players/coaches○ Meaningful national competition for LOI standard players unable to commit to nationwide travel in Div 1

due to work commitments etc.○ Provides incentive towards participation/ambition at intermediate level outside of current soccer

strongholds

10

National Playoffs

Finalist

Semi-finalist

Southern Playoff Winner

(2nd)

Northern Winner

Semi-finalist

Central Winner

Eastern Winner

Finalist

Semi-finalist

Southern Winner

Eastern Runner Up

Semi-finalist

Western Winner

Eastern Playoff Winner (3rd)


vs.

8 Intermediate teams 3 from Eastern, 2 from Southern, 1 from Northern, Western & Central Conferences

3 game series held over1 week Part of “Xmas Soccer Season”

Winner gains automatic promotion to 1st Div Runner Up gains entry to a playoff against loser of (8th vs. 9th) in 1st Div Teams do not have to be seeking advancement to LOI proper in order to participate



The Winter Compromise May – December season

2 Months competitive football & preseason before European competitions begin

Flood Lit atmospheric Football Season Climax over Xmas period

Climax doesn’t clash With GAA Championship Clear identification “Festive Soccer Season”

Branding & Sponsorship opportunities Tie in with Intermediate Playoffs & Cup Final (New Years Day)

Clash with major English Premiership television events Can Marquee games rival normal EPL games on these dates? Will RTE welcome major products like St. Stephens Day Finale & New Years

Day Cup Final for free to air broadcast as a challenge to satellite broadcasters?

Will crowds attend major LOI games over the festive period? Other Risk Factors:

Congestion issues surrounding abandoned games There may be sense in frontloading games in the summer months to allow leeway

around abandoned games towards season finale.

Deterioration in football quality ‘Messy’ football towards the end of the season could damage the product May also ‘make things interesting’ – Shock results, Battling performances, points gap

swings.



Dec Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan

Dec Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan

Preseason Current Airtricity League Season (2010) Cup Final

Preseason Proposed Airtricity League Season (2012 or 2013) Cup Final

Intermediate & Junior Season - Finish Off Season

European Football

European Football

Proposed Scheduling Changes: Late summer & autumn National League System

○ 2 months competitive football + Preseason to prepare for European competition

Xmas/Stephens day league Finale & New Years Day Cup Final (Marketing: Festive season = LOI season!)○ TV money? Domestic rival(marquee games!!) to compete with Cross channel Xmas packages? (Allow terrestrial TV to compete with Satellite TV)

Intermediate leagues: National Playoffs (late Dec) & Fallow Period Introduced (Jan) ○ Series 1 matches Feb-May & Series 2 matches Aug-Dec (flexible scheduling arrangements at local level)

Current Scheduling arrangements:

*Synchronised League Systems*

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Play offs

Schoolboy & Junior System (as before)Schoolboy & Junior System (as before) - Finish

Start - Intermediate & Junior Season

Pre -season

Current Airtricity League Season (2010)

Start - Schoolboy & Junior System (as before)

Current Airtricity League Season 2010Cup

Final

Cup

FinalPre –season Proposed Airtricity League Season (2012 or 2013)

Cup

Final

Play -

offsFallow Pitches Start - Intermediate Season Summer Break Intermediate Season - Finish Play

offs

Play -

offs

2009

2014

2010 20112010

2015 2015 2016

13

Christmas Soccer Season

Christmas Soccer Season Culmination of LOI proper, FAI Ford Cup & Intermediate Conferences

Playoff Series. Bundled together in one marketable package ‘Run-in’ period is traditionally when the league receives most ‘buzz’ Key periods for advertisers: Run up to Christmas & January sales (Cars etc)

Drawbacks/Risk Factors Short turnaround between league end & Cup Final of only 1 week

○ Same as in England in May 2010 Winter games risks match abandonment

○ Need to frontload season to ensure no backlog○ Winter football could lead to exciting points swings as well as ‘messy football’

Supporter turnout/TV Audiences○ Could go either way; be embraced as an exciting package over a period of holidays from employment or pass by

barely noticed while public is immersed in own Christmas experience○ Marketing effort & product positioning could be ‘make or break’ in this regard


Wed Dec 23rd 19:30 Round 1 of Conference Playoffs (4 Games)

Thurs Dec 24th No GamesFri Dec 25th No GamesSat Dec 26th 17:30 9x Premier Games (Round 34) & 5x 1st Div Games (Round 36)

Sun Dec 27th 19:30 Round 2 of Conference Playoffs (2 Games)

Mon Dec 28th No GamesTues Dec 29th 19:30 Premier & 1st Div Playoff deciders (1 leg)Wed Dec 30th 19:30 Conference Playoffs Final Thurs Dec 31st No GamesFri Jan 1st 15:30 FAI Ford Cup FinalSat Jan 2nd 15:00 (&17:30) Promotion/Relegation Playoff Finals (1 leg)

14

Wayside Celtic

Shamrock Rovers ‘A’

Belgrove

Greystones

Cherry Orchard

Malahide United

Crumlin United

CYM Terenure

Glebe North

Glenmore Dundrum

Bluebell United

Bohemians ‘A’

Clover United

Bangor Celtic

Automatic National Playoff Qualification

Promotion/Qualification Playoff

Relegation Playoff

Automatic Relegation

Eastern ConferenceEastern Conference

Premier Div


Top of group placing

Bottom of group placing

Formed from a number of strong leagues Difficult to bring along all stakeholders Politically difficult to change What % of club buy-in?

Incentives Annual National Champion Decided Avenue to attain sponsorship, attention & recognition Players & Coaches in ‘shop window’ (UEFA Licensing standards)

Club Development

Pitfalls Splits? – Some teams to play in Central

Others to remain outside new format?



Moyle Park

Tolka Rovers

Arklow Town

Ashtown Villa

Boyne Rovers

Drogheda Town

Dublin Bus

St. Patricks Athletic ‘A’

International FC

Shelbourne ‘A’

Newbridge Town

Pegasus

Skerries Town

St. James’s Gate

Newtown Rangers

Leixlip United

Quay Celtic

Loughshinny United

Sporting Fingal ‘A’

Mount Merrion YMCA

Larkview Boys

Parkvilla

Liffey Wanderers

Trinity S & L

Whitehall Rangers

Dynamo Dublin

Athy Town

Enniskerry FC

Eastern Conference

Eastern 2nd Div

Eastern1st Div

‘A’ Sides – 2 options

1 – Play in Regional Intermediate Leagues Pro

Reserve players experience very competitive football They would greatly strengthen some leagues e.g. Western &

Central, helping to raise standards Incentive for intermediate players to compete against ‘big

name’ teams Con

Risking injury recovery ‘stars’ against intermediate players wanting ‘to get stuck in’

Would disciplined intermediate teams be happy about a “chopped & changed” reserve side affecting the outcome of the league standings

2 – Play in Completely separate ‘A’ only league Pro

Sheltered environment to protect players Con

Lacking in realistic competitive nature

St. Patricks Athletic ‘A’

Shelbourne ‘A’



St. Mochtas

TEK United

Verona

Brayzil

Bray Wanderers ‘A’

UCD ‘A’

Ballyfermot United

CIE Ranch

Dalkey United

Drumcondra

Mullingar FC

Edenderry Town

Port Laoise

Garda

Celbridge Town

Drumcondra Athletic

Fairview CYM

Greenhills AFC

Home Farm

Kilnamanagh

Lissadel United

Sacred Heart

Shamrock Rovers ‘B’

St. Josephs Boys

St. Josephs Glasthule

Tymon Celtic

Vale View Shankill

West Park Albion

Eastern ConferenceEastern 3rd Div

Eastern 4th Div

Entry & Exit to/from Conference TBD

Involve local committee structure Assessments – competency, performance etc.

Changeover required to standard season

Lower Divisions Promotion / Relegation Multiple finishing positions “In Play”

Scheduling, Discipline, league operation Managed at local level More leeway at lower levels (fixture congestion,

postponements, arrangements etc.) Refereeing

Integration into pyramid structure Player Registration

Player passport ID card scheme



Southern Conference

Everton AFC

Rockmount

Avondale

Ballinahassig

Cork City ‘A’

St. Marys

Douglas Hall

Blarney

Castleview

Waterford ‘A’

UCC

Ballinacollig

Cobh Wanderers

CIT

Oranmore

Southern Conference Premier Div Formed from MSL

2 qualification places for national playoffs New format to encourage applicants from

outside of current strongholds Minimal change required to current structure

With only 3 full LOI clubs at present & 2 more in the ‘A’structure this conference has great potential for thefuture development of clubs to a national level

Established MSL sides not wishing to compete on anational stage have an opportunity to perform well atthe national playoff level & then reinvest in clubfacilities



Casement

Carrigaline

Fermoy

Garryduff

Mayfield

Leeds

Mallow

Middleton

Passage

College Corinthians

Lakewood

Glasheen

Tramore

Ennis

Temple

Killarney Celtic

Youghal

Limerick ‘A’

Castleisland FC

Shannon Olympic

Avenue United

Clonmel Town

Skibbereen

Thurles

Nenagh AFC

Bandon

Cobh Ramblers ‘A’

Newcastle Rovers

Cashel Town

Thurles Town

Southern Conference

Southern 2nd Div

Southern 1st Div

Lower Levels Similar to lower divisions of the eastern

conference structure Managed/Administrated at a local level Flexible operation Entry/Exit to Junior structures subject to local

authorities, criteria etc.

Newly formed Clubs Local administration structures to decide level

of entry / suitability etc.



Northern Conference

Fanad United

Buncrana

Cockhill Celtic

Convoy

Finn Harps ‘A’

Drumkeen

Bonagee

Glenea United

Keadue Rovers

Swilly

Killea FC

Letterkenny Rovers

Derry City ‘A’

Quigley's Point

Kildrum Tigers

Formed from USL Minimal change required to current structure Expected to provide strong competitor to

National Playoffs Source of funding for the further

development of facilities in the region

Although the viability of a further LOI proper clubemerging from this region may be remote it isthought that participation in this annual competitionwill benefit the local division, with prize moneyfiltering down into local facilities as well as mediaexposure providing a boost to the game.

Northern ConferencePremier Div



Western Conference

Roscommon Town

Athenry

Corrib Rangers

NUI Galway

Mervue United ‘A’

Ballina Town

Westport United

Iorras Aontaithe

Galway United ‘A’

Castlerea Celtic

Sligo Rovers ‘A’

Ballinasloe Town

Salthill Devon ‘A’

Strand Celtic

Oranmore

Newly formed from Local district leagues Site of the defunct CSL A new administration structure will have to be

formed with support & impetus from central sources

Application & Selection process from local district leagues

To represent a balanced geographical spread, established strong clubs with developmental outlooks

Extensive consultation required

Although past attempts to establish a senior footballstructure in the region were previously abandoned it ishoped that the carrot of competition & exposure at anational level may provide the impetus and attractinterest & sponsorship sufficiently to affect a betteroutcome this time. This region could have goodpotential for growth given astute adaptations to thelocal game.

Western ConferencePremier Div

21

Central Conference

Mullingar Athletic

Birr Town

Athlone Town ‘A’

Port Laoise A.F.C.

Monaghan ‘A’

Clara Town

Dundalk ‘A’

Cavan Town

Drogheda ‘A’

Middletown Wanderers

Willow Park

St. Peters

DK United

Clones Town

Trim Celtic

Newly Formed Region Clubs currently competing in the LSL encouraged CCFL & other local structures to be developed Remain part of LFA Travel & participation costs lower than at LSL level Clubs can choose to compete in any regional

conference, taking account of travel costs, competition standards etc. E.g. Meath clubs could choose between Central or Eastern (Subject to approval of governing bodies)

A central conference it is envisaged would cut downon participation costs and encourage the ‘step-up’from a number of towns which show the potential tohost LOI proper clubs. Growing clubs organically inthis fashion it is hoped will lead to advancement ofclubs with a deeper history, participation etc.Consultation is required before any move away fromthe traditional Leinster structures.

Central ConferencePremier Div




National Playoffs

Finalist

Semi-finalist

Southern Playoff Winner

(2nd)

Northern Winner

Semi-finalist

Central Winner

Eastern Winner

Finalist

Semi-finalist

Southern Winner

Eastern Runner Up

Semi-finalist

Western Winner

Eastern Playoff Winner (3rd)

Greystones

Everton AFC

Everton AFC

Shamrock Rovers ‘A’

Greystones

Roscommon Town

Greystones

Fanad United

Fanad United

Rockmount

Fanad United

Wayside Celtic

Mullingar Athletic

Wayside Celtic

vs.

vs.

23

Changeover Timeline Season 1 (2012) March - Oct

LOI Proper: Premier Division: 10 Clubs - 1st Div: 12 Clubs (36 & 33 games) 1 to be demoted from Premier(10), 3 to be promoted from 1st(1,2 & 3), (9 vs. 4 in playoff) Top 2 Qualified development sides to be promoted from ‘A’ League to 1st Div

Intermediates: Last Intermediate season under present structure begins. (Aug - May) Winter transition: New arrangements decided in committee for Intermediate conferences based on league position &

other criteria Mini tournaments & playoffs to decide certain positions

Season 2 (2013) May - Dec LOI proper: Premier Division: 12 Clubs - 1st Div: 12 Clubs (33 games ea.)

2 to be demoted from Premier (11,12), 3 to be promoted from 1st(1,2 & 3), (10 vs. 4 in playoff) Top 2 Qualified development sides to be promoted from ‘A’ League to 1st Div

Intermediates: First ever season under new format . (Feb – May; Aug – Dec) December Playoffs: 8 teams, 3 match days, Games in regional stadiums (Tallaght, Turners Cross, Terryland, Athlone etc.)

Season 3 (2014) May - Dec LOI proper: Premier Division: 13 Clubs - 1st Div: 13 Clubs (36 games ea.)

1 to be demoted from Premier(13), 6 to be promoted from 1st(1-6), (12 vs. 7 in playoff) 2 top Qualified Intermediate sides to be promoted from playoffs (or conferences)

Season 4 (2015) – ***1st Season Proper*** LOI proper: Premier Division: 18 Clubs - 1st Div: 10 Clubs (34 & 36 games)

Standard future promotion/relegation: 2 up(1&2), 2 Down(17&18) & 1 playoff : [(15v16) vs. (3v4)]

Intermediates: Standard future promotion/relegation with 1st Div Playoff winner (if Qualified) gains automatic promotion to 1st at expense of 10th place finisher Playoff Runner-up (if Qualified) can advance to playoff vs. (8v9) from 1st Div

Qualified: Qualified sides must satisfy licensing criteria, express a desire to advance to full league status & display a competence with regard to the additional travel commitments, rigid fixture completion etc.

24

Transition from Intermediate to Div 1 Transition after LOI proper has reached 28 clubs

A. Clubs must apply for transition before the season beginsB. Clubs must satisfy licensing criteriaC. Clubs must reach National Conference PlayoffsD. The winner of the national playoffs can be eligible for automatic

promotion subject to all other licensing application criteriaE. The Runner-Up in the national playoffs can enter into a head to head

playoff with a Div 1 side, subject to all other licensing criteria


Transition while LOI proper is in development phaseA. Max. 2 clubs per annumB. Highest finishers in current competition e.g. ‘A’ LeagueC. Satisfaction of licensing criteriaD. Subject to ratification & extra assessment measures

25

Reserve - ‘A’ Teams Present Scenario (Newstalk A Championship)

‘A’ league + selected Intermediate teams(Applying for league status) compete together in Northern & Southern divisions

Pro:- Good environment to nurture young talent & rehabilitate injured players- Successful fallback for financially pressed clubs forced to lay off 1st team squad

Con:- Can clubs relegated to this division from Div1 ever recover? – Will they lose hope of making it in the LOI

proper – forced to remain competing against experimental ‘A’ sides- Very few developmental intermediate applicants- Has failed to capture the imagination of supporters of intermediate applicants clubs- 2 divisions across large geographical spread = high travel expenses

Option 1 (scenario outlined above) Compete with Intermediate teams in Area Conferences (N,S,E,W & C)

Pros: - Provide good competition in smaller & newer leagues (Western, Central & Northern) – helping to develop

germinating intermediate clubs in these peripheral areas- Less Travelling expenses for clubs - Competition versus Intermediate sides helps to identify new talent

Con: - Risking peripheral & recovering players in a competitive environment (Will intermediate competitors ‘get

stuck into’ marquee players who are recovering from injury?)- Insurance issues??

Option 2 (Safe option) Separate ‘A’ only competition

○ National at first, dividing into regions as numbers increase Pro:

- Developmental League applicant clubs could remain separate in competitive Intermediate competition- Insulated environment to nurture injured & young players

Con:- Will a reserve only league provide an adequate level of competition to aid player development?


26

Club Stories Club A

Club A has been a big player in the league for generations. However after a period of overextension financially they find themselves forced to enter a period of debt restructuring that is in contravention of the leagues participation agreements. Under new processes that are pursuant to newly ratified rules they find themselves relegated to their local intermediate conference & banned from re-entry to the top divisions for a set period of time. The new rules also contain provision to extend that period of time for repeat offences. It is felt that the new disciplinary processes for the first time provide adequate deterrent against financial mismanagement in the pursuit of success.

Club B Club B has been one of the strongest in its provincial senior league for a long time and regularly

makes excursions into the FAI Cup early rounds. Under the new national playoff system they fare very well; making the final on numerous occasions & even picking up the trophy from time to time. Club B is however from a locality that has long been dominated by a major premier league side. Choosing never to apply for league entry or fulfil the 1st Div licensing criteria Club B is able to make use of its prize money & exposure to secure better local sponsorship deals & in turn reinvest in the clubs training & social facilities.

Club C Club C is from a rapidly growing satellite town near a major city. They have competed to a decent

level in the provincial senior league in recent times without ever reaching the top of the pile. With the attention brought about under the new national playoffs they are able to secure local sponsorship & participation in their club. Within a few years they are challenging for honours at the national playoffs as well as reinvesting in club infrastructure. Local support for the club grows organically along with the club, unlike past teams that were parachuted into the top divisions. Eventually they secure a Div 1 license and qualify for the National Championship. Club C spends a short time yo-yoing between Div 1 & the intermediate divisions but their natural growth curve ensures they are a solid enough outfit to survive the rollercoaster. Over time they come to establish themselves in the 1st Div and even spend a lucrative couple of seasons in the top Tier hosting some of the big guns.All illustrations, tables, dates, league positions, logos & sponsors contained within this document are for modelling purposes only & do not represent any approved


27

Club Stories Club D

Club D had been a participant in the old ‘A’ league hoping to gain 1st Div status. Apart from a few ‘die-hards’ within the club setup they never raised much of a profile in their local town or county which was more known for success in other sporting codes. Playing against ‘A’ sides never attracted much local attention & in turn the club was unable to generate much revenue in terms of membership, sponsorship or other income streams. Even when they did spend a year in the old 1st Div they found themselves cut adrift away from the rest of the pack, unable to pick up victories against established teams. Entry into the reformed 1st Div feeder style Championship did manage to turn things around nevertheless. Suddenly facing more similarly matched opponents & with the promotion & relegation spots always within play interest in Club D grew rapidly within the community. Success eventually did come in the form of promotion to the Premiership & for the first time some of the countries big name clubs were coming to town. On the other hand when things weren’t quite going so smoothly the club found itself in its local regional conference where the fans still had local derbies, fierce competition & the push for promotion to keep interest high, reduced travel costs also meant the club could cope better with these periods of want.

Club E Club E, hailing from the same county as club D was raised with the tide alongside its near neighbour.

Although never quite reaching the same dizzy heights Club E did manage to fulfil the 1st Div licensing criteria & compete for a short period of time in Div 1. The intense feeling of the local rivalry between two towns from the same county added a new element to the LOI which contrasted greatly with previous attempts to take local clubs & shape them into catch-alls for the whole county. They would meet regularly in either Div 1 or their regional conference as well as in cup competitions.

Club F Club F had spent a few years cast aside at the bottom of Div 1 picking up only a handful of victories a

season, relegation to the ‘A’ league threatened to kill dead their LOI ambitions. Seen as falling into a kind of “limbo”, hope drained from the club. It was revived however upon establishment of regional conferences as a means of promotion. Now they were able to find meaningful local competition, to save on travel & other overheads & to rebuild with a young side. Club F eventually re-entered the now more evenly devised Championship, their flagging ambitions truly revived.


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Player Stories Player A

Player A showed great promise as a youngster playing in the Airtricity Premiership while he earned his degree as part of a scholarship initiative run by one of the clubs. After his education was complete & upon taking up good employment outside football at the same time as starting a family it seemed Player A was to be lost to the game, unable to provide the required level of commitment required of a team competing on a national level. Still playing at intermediate level he drew many compliments from others that he was, “better than a lot of players in the LOI.” Under the new structure Player A found a new role for himself as a cornerstone of the ambitious Club B as they made their assault on promotion to the league proper. Although Club B could only pay a nominal amount of part time wages & also the fact that player A would have to leave the setup once they “went national”, he found the meaningful competition invigorating. After leaving them he found a place on the next ambitious high-flyer in the regional conference. He even rejoined as a Div 1 player a little later in life as his full time job grew more secure & flexible & his young family had settled at school.

Player B Player B was on the road to great things in the English game before injury put a spanner in the

works. Loaned from his EPL team to lower divisions to try & prove his return to fitness Player B eventually had to concede defeat & quit the game he loved so well. With a handful of promising full international caps to his name it appeared to be a sad end to the tale as the player returned to his local village to take up employment in the family business & reconsider his future. Too young to be seriously considered as a professional coach Player B nonetheless began to take his badges and work with his local regional conference team as a sideline apart from his main career; his name & experience proving a hit as he took a number of sides to the playoff finals. Catching the attention of his local Div 1 club who used the local Conference as a scouting ground he eventually made his way back into the game he loved so well.


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Largest Towns outside of LOI Structure (2006 Census)

Over 10,000 Population

o Navan(10th)

o Ennis(11), Shannon(43)

o Kilkenny(13)

o Naas(15),Newbridge(17), Kildare(55),

Blessington(90)

o Mullingar(18)

o Celbridge(22), Leixlip(26), Maynooth(35),

Kilcock(87)

o Clonmel(23), Carrick on Suir (65), Cahir(96)

o Port Laoise(27), Portarlington(63),

Mountmellick(89)

o Killarney(28)

o Greystones(29), Kilcoole(99)

o Arklow(33), Gorey(57)

o Ballina(36)

o Wicklow(38)

o Mallow(37), Fermoy(67)

o Middleton(39)

Under 10,000 Population

o Tramore(40)

o Enniscorthy(41)

o Ashbourne(47), Ratoath(56), Dunshaughlin(95)

o Dungarvan(48)

o Athy(50)

o Cavan(51)

o Nenagh(52)

o New Ross(53)

o Thurles(54)

o Tuam(58)

o Trim(59)

o Youghal(60)

o Ballinasloe(62)


proposal for renovation of the association football league

Sports