SFAI Update Following Meeting of SFAI Executive Committee

At its video conference meeting on 16/5/2020, the SFAI Executive Committee decided that all of its member Leagues shall be eligible to recommence fixtures and football activity once the schools have reopened, the weekend of 5/6 September next being the most appropriate date to effect the restart.

The restart will of course be subject to strict compliance with any Government agencies and the FAI’s  medical director Dr. Alan Byrne’s directions surrounding the Covid-19 virus pandemic.

With the uncertainty of the health situation and its restrictions it was agreed to clarify the situation and cancel the staging of the 2020 Kennedy Cup tournament, it was also agreed that SFAI competitions at both Skechers Cups and SUBWAY competitions levels, which have not been completed up to now, will not be completed.

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UPDATE: FAI confirm extension to cessation of all football activity

Further to a statement from the Football Association of Ireland issued this evening, an extension to the cessation order for all football under its jurisdiction until May 18th 2020 inclusive has been confirmed.

This comes following directives from Government and the Department of Health.

The Association will now examine what this lockdown extension and the guidelines published in the Government’s ‘Roadmap For Reopening Society and Business’ mean for all stakeholders at all levels of the game.

See the full FAI statement below:

The Football Association of Ireland has extended the cessation order for all football under its jurisdiction until May 18th inclusive, following the latest directives from Government and the Department of Health. 

The Association will now examine what this lockdown extension and the guidelines published in the Government’s ‘Roadmap For Reopening Society and Business’ mean for all stakeholders at all levels of the game. The FAI will move to evaluate the implications and update stakeholders from all strands of football as soon as feasible. 

The decision to extend the cessation order for all football until May 18thhas been taken in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the best interests of our players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and staff. 

FAI Medical Director Dr Alan Byrne has again advised the FAI that in the current exceptional circumstances, clubs should not engage in collective training during the cessation period for all football activity under the FAI’s jurisdiction.

The FAI is in constant communication with the Department of Health and UEFA on COVID-19 and will continue to follow all government guidelines. The Association advises all members, volunteers and stakeholders to respect the HSE guidelines on social distancing during this pandemic. 

The Association also appeals to everyone involved with Irish football to stay at home over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

 

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UPDATE: Cessation Of All Football Activity Extended Further

Further to a statement from the Football Association of Ireland issued this afternoon, an extension to the cessation order for all football under its jurisdiction until May 5th 2020 inclusive has been confirmed.

This comes following directives from Government and the Department of Health.

See the full FAI statement below:

FAI extends cessation of football under its jurisdiction to May 5th

The Football Association of Ireland today announces an extension to the cessation order for all football under its jurisdiction until May 5th inclusive, following directives from Government and the Department of Health.

The decision to extend the deadline for the return to football has been taken in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the best interests of our players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and staff. This decision will continue to be monitored on an ongoing basis.

The FAI is in communication with the Department of Health and UEFA on COVID-19 and will continue to follow all government guidelines. The Association advises all members, volunteers and stakeholders to respect the HSE guidelines on social distancing during this pandemic. We also appeal to everyone involved with Irish football to stay at home over the Easter weekend.

The Association remains committed to a June return for the SSE Airtricity League and Women’s National League. Regular meetings are ongoing with representatives from the National League Executive Committee and the Professional Footballer’s Association of Ireland to help our clubs and players through this difficult time.

FAI Medical Director Dr. Alan Byrne has again advised the FAI that in the current exceptional circumstances, clubs should not engage in collective training during the cessation period for all football activity under the FAI’s jurisdiction.

This recommendation is based on the government’s desire to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and Dr. Byrne strongly advises against clubs training during this cessation period which runs until May 5th inclusive.

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EXPLAINER: All you need to know about the SFAI 12 Day Stay At Home Challenge

The SFAI 12 Day Stay At Home Challenge launched on Wednesday, April 1st 2020 and features 12 football based challenges for young players to do.

Following on from the SFAI 12 Day Skills Challenge, the Stay At Home Challenge includes ball mastery elements, while there is also some fun and enjoyment involved.

Further to the success of the first set of challenges, the difficulty in the Stay At Home Challenge has been increased slightly but all players can improve their skills by taking part.

Some of the challenges are standalone, while others combine skills and tricks learned over previous days.

Each morning the next challenge is released and the tutorial videos will be posted at 9am on the SFAI’s social channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The videos will feature some of Ireland’s best street soccer stars and freestylers, while others will also feature.

Parents can send their own videos to the SFAI’s Facebook page via Messenger, with permission for the videos to be used/shared by the SFAI online.

A selection of the videos will be used on our social channels – we try and include as many as we can and do daily montages too.

Those taking part are reminded to do so in adherence with the HSE guidelines on social distancing. The challenges are for young players to try in their own home or place of residence.

Stay Safe, Stay Active and Stay Positive.

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SFAI 12 Day Skills Challenge

The SFAI 12 DAY Skills Challenge was launched on March 17th, and seen thousands of young players from across Ireland take part.

The daily challenges were based around ball mastery and enjoyment, offering young players the opportunity to improve their skills and express themselves.

The Challenge…

Day One Wall Ball…

Day Two Volleys…

Day Three Foot Stall…

Day Four Knee Juggling…

Day Five Time To Combine…

Day Six Inside Foot Volleys…

Day Eight Around The World…

Day Nine Knee Bounce…

Day Ten Neck Catch…

Day Eleven Time To Combine…

Day Twelve Freestyle…

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UPDATE: Cessation of all football activity extended

Further to a statement from the Football Association of Ireland this afternoon, an extension to the cessation of all football under its jurisdiction until April 19th inclusive has been confirmed.

This comes following directives from Government, the Department of Health and UEFA.

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STATEMENT: SFAI Update Regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19) and schoolboy football activities

Thursday 12th March 2020

STATEMENT: Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland Update Regarding Coronavirus (Covid-19) and schoolboy football activities

Dear Secretary,

Further to confirmation today that all schools across the country will close until at least March 29th 2020, and as the situation with Covid-19 is developing rapidly, the SFAI has taken the following decision.

The Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland is instructing all SFAI affiliated schoolboy leagues to suspend all football activities with immediate effect until further notice.

We understand the decision will bring with it disruption to leagues, clubs, coaches and players, but in these extraordinary times, there is a need to act now.

Further communications will issue in due course, but for now, please follow the advice of the HSE and the Government when it comes to further protective measures.

Regards,

Simon Walsh

SFAI Administrator

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UPDATE: SFAI Skechers National Cup Quarter and Semi Final Draws

Following the draw for the SFAI Skechers National Cups quarter and semi finals, which took place in February, several outstanding ties have now been played.

Below is how the current draws look, with any outstanding fixtures in the Round of 16 to be played on the weekend of March 7th/8th.

Several quarter-final fixtures have already been confirmed for that weekend also, and the work of league secretaries is greatly appreciated as all try and manage the backlog due to the poor weather over recent weeks.

U12 Quarter Finals

Westport United v St Kevin’s Boys

Midleton FC v Kilmacrennan Celtic

Corduff FC v Ailsing Annacotty

Shamrock Rovers v Skerries Town

U12 Semi Finals

Midleton FC/Kilmacrennan Celtic v Westport United/St Kevin’s Boys

Shamrock Rovers or Skerries Town v Corduff FC or Aisling Annacotty

U13 Quarter Finals

St Kevin’s Boys v Mervue United

Aisling Annacotty v Kilcock Celtic

Willow Park v Cherry Orchard/Westport United

Corinthian Boys v Evergreen AFC

U13 Semi Finals

St Kevin’s Boys or Mervue United v Aisling Annacotty or Kilcock Celtic

Willow Park or Cherry Orchard/Westport United v Corinthian Boys or Evergreen AFC

U14 Quarter Finals

Castlebar Celtic/Corinthian Boys v Shamrock Rovers

Mallow United/Donacarney Celtic v Aisling Annacotty

Cavan Shamrocks v Malahide United

Leixlip United v St Kevin’s Boys

U14 Semi Finals

Castlebar Celtic/Corinthian Boys or Shamrock Rovers v Mallow United/Donacarney Celtic or Aisling Annacotty

Leixlip United or St Kevin’s Boys v Cavan Shamrocks or Malahide United

U15 Quarter Finals

Midleton FC v Keadue Rovers/Ringmahon Rangers

Corinthian Boys v Cherry Orchard

St Francis v Kildimo United/St Mochtas

Glenmuir United v St Kevin’s Boys

U15 Semi Finals

St Francis or Kildimo United/St Mochtas v Corinthian Boys or Cherry Orchard

Midleton FC or Keadue Rovers/Ringmahon Rangers v Glenmuir United or St Kevin’s Boys

U16 Quarter Finals

Kiltimagh Knock United v Shannon Town or Barna Na Forba

Ringmahon Rangers v Cherry Orchard

Carrigaline United v St Josephs Boys

Villa FC v Shelbourne Academy

U16 Semi Finals

Kiltimagh Knock United or Shannon Town/Barna Na Forba v Carrigaline United v St Josephs Boys

Ringmahon Rangers or Cherry Orchard v Villa FC or Shelbourne Academy

 

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VIDEO: U13/U15 SFAI Subway Championship and Plate National Finals 2019/20 Season

The U13/U15 SFAI Subway Championship and Plate National Finals took centre stage in Mullingar last weekend, with four ties decided over two days in Gainstown.

Up first was the clash of Clare SSL and Galway SL in the U13 SFAI Subway Plate National Final, Galway edged the tie with two goals, one in either half to ensure the Plate returned home with them.

The U15 SFAI Subway Plate National Final featured Carlow JDL and Mayo SL, and with many of those who played in the SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup semi-final back in June involved, it was sure to be a tight and tense affair.

Indeed, that is how it unfolded with just one goal for Carlow JDL separating two very strong teams.

On Sunday, the Cork SL and DDSL played for the U13 SFAI Subway Championship, and those in attendance were treated to a superb spectacle as the two sides showed their skill and ability.

The Cork SL, spurred on by the thoughts of bringing the Liam Miller Cup back to Cork for the first time came back from a goal down to win 2-1.

Donegal SL and Cork SL took to the field in the last final of the weekend, and Cork made it a double, clinching the U15 SFAI Subway Championship with a fine performance.

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THE DRAW: The SFAI Skechers National Cup Quarter and Semi Final Draws

The much anticipated draw for the SFAI Skechers National Cup quarter and semi finals took place on Friday evening in Mullingar.

Joined by representatives from Mullingar Athletic, SFAI Chairman John Earley hosted the five draws, and the full breakdown can be found below.

U12 Quarter Finals

Westport United v St Kevin’s Boys S3

Midleton FC v Kilmacrennan Celtic

Tullamore Town/Corduff FC v Ailsing Annacotty

Shamrock Rovers/Mervue United v Douglas Hall/Skerries Town

U12 Semi Finals

Midleton FC/Kilmacrennan Celtic v Westport United/St Kevin’s Boys S3

Shamrock Rovers/Mervue United or Douglas Hall/Skerries Town v Tullamore Town/Corduff FC or Aisling Annacotty

U13 Quarter Finals

St Kevin’s Boys/Illistrin FC v Mervue United

Aisling Annacotty/Tramore AFC v Kilcock Celtic

Willow Park v Cherry Orchard/Westport United

Corinthian Boys v Evergreen AFC

U13 Semi Finals

St Kevin’s Boys/Illistrin FC or Mervue United v Aisling Annacotty/Tramore AFC or Kilcock Celtic

Willow Park v Cherry Orchard/Westport United v Corinthian Boys v Evergreen AFC

U14 Quarter Finals

Castlebar Celtic/Corinthian Boys v Clane United/Shamrock Rovers

Mallow United/Donacarney Celtic v Home Farm

Cavan Shamrocks v Malahide United

Leixlip United v St Kevin’s Boys/Mervue United

U14 Semi Final

Castlebar Celtic/Corinthian Boys or Clane United/Shamrock Rovers v Mallow United/Donacarney Celtic or Home Farm

Leixlip United or St Kevin’s Boys/Mervue United v Cavan Shamrocks or Malahide United

U15 Quarter Finals

Midleton FC v Keadue Rovers/Ringmahon Rangers

Corinthian Boys v Peamount United/Cherry Orchard

St Francis v Kildimo United/St Mochtas

Glenmuir United v Newtown FC/St Kevin’s Boys

U15 Semi Finals

St Francis or Kildimo United/St Mochtas v Corinthian Boys or Peamount United/Cherry Orchard

Midleton FC or Keadue Rovers/Ringmahon Rangers v Glenmuir United or Newtown FC/St Kevin’s Boys

U16 Quarter Finals

Kiltimagh Knock United/Avenue United v Shannon Town or Bellurgan Utd/Barna Na Forba

Ringmahon Rangers v Athenry FC/Cherry Orchard

Carrigaline United v Mount Merrion/St Josephs Boys

Villa FC v Shelbourne Academy/Cappry Rover

U16 Semi Finals

Kiltimagh Knock United/Avenue United or Shannon Town or Bellurgan Utd/Barna Na Forba/Carrigaline United v Mount Merrion/St Josephs Boys

Ringmahon Rangers or Athenry FC/Cherry Orchard v Villa FC or Shelbourne Academy/Cappry Rover

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