The SFAI Skechers National Cups got underway in Connacht last weekend, with several teams across the U12, U14 and U16 ages securing their places in the second round.

In what was surely one of the games of the weekend, Knocknacarra FC’s U12 side were taken all the way to penalties in their tie with Hodosn Bay Celtic FC.

The two teams put in a stellar performance, but could not be separated, and they went on to demonstrate a penalty taking masterclass before Knocknacarra won 12-11.

Elsewhere, the Athenry FC U12s team came out on top when they faced Moyne Villa – winning 3-0 thanks to goals from Eoin Doyle and another from Ethan Mitchell.

Several other teams also progressed to the second round – well done to all.

This coming weekend will see the U13s and U15s play in Connacht, while the other eight regions will all see their first round games take place.

The very best of luck to all taking part, enjoy the football and the occasion.

With just eight days left to enter the SFAI Skechers National Cups 2019/20, take a look back at last season’s competition via the video below.

The video was part of the overall SFAI season review presented to the SFAI Council delegates at the most recent SFAI AGM held in Wicklow.

The 2018/19 SFAI Skechers National Cups reached more people than ever through both participation and through the online coverage of the competition, both regionally and nationally.

Teams looking to enter this season’s competition can do so by following this link: bit.ly/2XND9O6

The Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland is delighted to confirm that entry for the 2019/2020 SFAI Skechers National Cups is now open.

Following a record year in 2018/19 when 444 clubs entered a total of 1,437 teams, the competition will see teams from across Ireland compete both regionally and nationally for silverware from September 2019 to May 2020.

The SFAI Skechers National Cups continue to draw huge attention and interest, and next season promises to be another exciting one.

As was the case last season, entry is available online via the link below, and we thank our technology partners Sportlomo for their continued work and support in managing the competition.

Last season saw the likes of St Kevin’s Boys, Leixlip United, Cherry Orchard, Hanover Harps and Salthill Devon all claim national titles, while in the regional competition, there was huge excitement as several clubs claimed their first ever SFAI success.

The regional element of the competition is one that clubs should keep a close eye on, with several regions now making the finals a standalone event over one weekend.

These weekends have proven hugely successful, and we hope this can be replicated right across the across the country next season.

For those entering, they should be aware of the age criteria below, and they should also clarify with their leagues about the region they play in if they are not sure.

Age criteria details:

U12 – 2008

U13 – 2007

U14 – 2006

U15 – 2005

U16 – 2004

Competition Entry:

Please follow this link to enter the SFAI Skechers National Cups 2019/20: https://bit.ly/2XND9O6

It was a truly memorable second day of the SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup on Wednesday as 32 leagues booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Cup, Bowl, Shield and Trophy.

Longford have been the talk of the huge crowds that have gathered over the opening days, with Stephen Kelly’s youngster, who were ranked fourth in their group, topping the table.

They will play Galway, who have also been in fine form, while the DDSL will battle it out with Dublin rivals NDSL.

The other two quarter-finals will see Waterford and Carlow and Kildare and Mayo lock horns – all four sides have been impressive in their group ties, and will feel they can take a step closer to Saturday’s Final.

Elsewhere, in the Bowl, which sees the second placed teams from the groups compete, Wexford and Midlands face off, as do South Belfast YL and Limerick District, Drogheda and Cork and Kerry and Sligo/Leitrim.

The Shield competition will feature Inishowen v Wicklow, South Tipperary v Donegal, Kilkenny v Clare and West Cork v Dundalk.

Finally, in the Trophy competition, North Tipperary play Limerick Desmond, Limerick County face NECSL, Roscommon go up against Ahtlone and Cavan/Monaghan take on WWEC.

Wednesday’s Results:

Group 1 WWEC 0-3 Wexford, Wicklow 0-7 Waterford; Group 2 RDYSL 0-4 NDSL, West Cork 0-0 Lim Dist; Group 3 Inishowen 1-4 Galway, North Tipp 0-3 South Belfast; Group 4 NECSL 1-2 Midlands, Mayo 3-1 Dundalk

Group 5 Limerick County 0-2 Kildare, Clare 0-1 Kerry; Group 6

Drogheda 0-9 DDSL, Athlone 1-1 Kilkenny; Group 7, Carlow 3-0 Limerick Desmond, Sligo-Leitrim 1-0 Donegal; Group 8 Longford 2-1 Cork,

South Tipp 2-1 Cavan-Monaghan

Group 1 Wexford 0-2 Waterford, Wicklow 2-0 WWEC; Group 2

NDSL 0-0 Limerick Dist, West Cork 2-0 RDYSL; Group 3 Galway 0-0 South Belfast

North Tipperary 0-4 Inishowen; Group 4 Midlands 3-0 Dundalk, Mayo 2-0 NECSL

Group 5 Kildare 3-0 Kerry, Clare 3-1 Limerick Co; Group 6 DDSL 7-0 Kilkenny, Athlone 0-1 Drogheda; Group 7Limerick Desmond 0-3 Donegal, Sligo-Leitrim 0-1 Carlow; Group 8 Cork 3-1 Cavan-Monaghan, South Tipperary 1-2 Longford

The Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland have recently confirmed the inclusion of the South Belfast Youth League in this year’s SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup.

Their inclusion comes following the SDFL’s withdrawal from the competition, and builds upon an already very strong relationship between the SFAI and NIBFA.

Over recent years the both associations have come together to take part in the Subway Island of Ireland Challenge, with the competition taking place for the third time over the June Bank Holiday weekend this year.

The South Belfast Youth League will go into Group Three, alongside Galway, North Tipperary and Inishowen for the competition, which kicks off on June 11^th in University of Limerick.

Speaking recently, SFAI Chairman John Earley said: “it was very unfortunate that the SDFL chose to withdraw from the competition this year, but having had interest before about entering, and because of the strong working and sporting relationship with the NIBFA, it was an obvious option to explore.”

The SFAI Chairman continued: “The SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup is well known to those in Northern Ireland, and the idea of a league representative team from South Belfast coming to play in Limerick for the five days is an exciting one for many reasons.”

Robert Johnston, Chairman of the South Belfast Youth League said the opportunity to compete in the SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup offers the players and the league a new opportunity, and all involved are eagerly awaiting the big kick-off.

Mr Johnston said: “South Belfast Youth League are delighted with the opportunity to participate in the 2019 New Balance Kennedy Cup, this is a tournament we have been well aware of for many years and have admired the level of promotion and support it receives throughout the country.”

He continued: “We are the first league team from Northern Ireland to take part in the event and we are looking forward to a new challenge and making many new friends throughout the week.”

The South Belfast Youth League will consist of club players from across the league. In total, almost 240 clubs will be represented at this year’s SFAI New Balance Kennedy Cup, and it is those clubs, led by volunteers, that deserve some credit for nurturing the players.

The opening games of this year’s competition will begin at 4pm on June 11th, with the second set of fixtures being played at 6pm.

For the full run down of the competition click here: