Success of the Cork Youth League is down to the commitment of those who have been involved with it since its inception in 2004

The Cork Youth Soccer Leagues were created by an amalgamation of two youth leagues who were sections of the Cork Athletic Union League, and the Munster Senior League. 

After discussions about promotion of youth football had taken place in early 2004 between the two governing bodies, the Cork City and County Youth Leagues were rolled out at the beginning of 2004 /2005 season.

The original Officers were Tony Fitzgerald (Chairman), Michael Foley (Secretary), Paddy Byrne (Treasurer), Barry Peelo (Registrar), John Finnegan (Fixture Secretary) and Peadar O'Leary (Assistant Treasurer) and the new season began with 24 teams in all competitions.

The new League received funding from the parent Leagues and a generous sponsorship agreement with Joe Daly, of Daly Industrial Supplies, who helped put the league on a sound financial footing.

Chairman of the Youth League Mr Sean O’Sullivan is very grateful for all the hard work the past and present members of the committee have done over the years, however, he had special praise for Joe Daly, of Daly Industrial Supplies for their very generous financial support.

“I would like to thank Joe Daly of DISC whose sponsorship has continued unbroken to this very day, and also Garry McCarthy trophies, who sponsor man of the match awards every week,” Sean said.

“Some members of Cork Youth Leagues have held various positions in the FAI and the Munster Football Association over the years, with the late Tony Fitzgerald holding the position of President of the Football Association, while John Finnegan and Richard Browne were Chairmen of the MFA and it’s something that we are very proud of.

“The League was innovative in operating their own youth academy for several years, which was designed to help improve the playing standard of the players in the league. 

"With this improvement at club level, the CYL are now competing at the latter stages of FAI competitions. 

"The FAI Youth Inter League Trophy returned to Cork in recent years and clubs in the league had success in the FAI Youth Cup, FAI U17 National Cup and the Munster Youth Cup. 

"In the 2021/22 season, which was the centenary year of the Football Association of Ireland and Munster Football Association, all major youth cups were won by Cork clubs, the FAI U17 National Cup (College Corinthians), FAI Youth Cup (Douglas Hall), FAI Youth Inter League (Cork Youth Leagues), MFA Youth Cup (Douglas Hall) and the MFA U19 Cup (Midleton AFC).

“Members of the management have changed over the years and among those who have served are Denis Lyne, Tony Chambers, Tom Fitzgerald, Barry Cotter and Terry Ryan, who all who brought a wealth of football experience which helped this league continue to grow to its now 104 teams in competition and a registered membership more than 2,550 young men.

“This season we have begun with three new members, Sam Doherty from Clonakilty AFC, Eddie McEvoy from Ballincollig AFC, and Michelle O'Driscoll is our Child Welfare Officer from Everton AFC.

“Michelle, while she is part of the management of Everton AFC, she is available to this league with advice and guidance on Child Welfare issues should they arise.

“Sam becomes the first lady to serve on committee and with Michelle, are helping to bring a better gender balance to the league committee. 

"Sam hails from Clonakilty AFC where she has been involved for several years.

"Sam started helping at Blitzs and when club needed a PRO she took on that task and has become secretary in the last two years.

“Eddie joined as Terry Ryan was stepping away from his position as Registrar, due to work commitments.

"Eddie with his experience in computer systems has undertaken the task of Registrar as we move into a new era of digital technology,” Sean added.

The management committee for this season are chairman: Sean O'Sullivan, treasurer: Richard Browne, disciplinary secretary: Peadar O'Leary, registrar: Eddie McEvoy, fixture secretary: James Fogarty and management: Christy Byrne, Denis Crowley, Sam Doherty and Brian Newman.