Cork Business League lead the way as they switch from winter season

The Cork Business League are the only Cork junior league embracing calendar football next year beginning first with a short domestic season from August coming to November. 

Secretary Peter Travers is the driving force behind the brave move and here he tells us about his decision and what he hopes to gain from the move.

“In October 2024, the CBL clubs voted to shift from a traditional August–May winter season to a March–November calendar-year format, in line with the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan and national alignment goals by 2028,” said Travers.

“It is important to note that it is our clubs that direct any future changes and regulations for the CBL. However, we as a Management Committee took this opportunity to move as soon as we could." 

This change comes after extensive FAI consultations across the country (11,000+ hours), aiming to modernise the structure and support grassroots football. 

"We’ll run a shortened transitional season this August–late 2025, before launching the full calendar season in March 2026. While other Cork leagues will have to follow suit, we’re currently the only league in Cork explicitly making this switch this early and understanding the reasons as to why - leading the way locally."

What they hope to gain are better playing conditions: Playing in the months where the warmer weather is with us means drier, firmer pitches and fewer postponements. 

Even though many of our clubs do indeed play on all-weather pitches, it was also the red weather warnings that had an impact on fixtures being called off. 

"We have to take the players' safety into account when making blanket calls across a weekend where there is a weather warning.

RETENTION

“Playing calendar football will hopefully improve player retention. Predictable scheduling and improved match regularity keep players engaged. We began live-streaming one game a week on YouTube last season, and the uptake and positivity around it is better than we expected. Having more consistent game weeks allows us to grow this initiative to having more games streamed live."

Administrative alignment is another bonus for the switch. A calendar year licence period across leagues simplifies compliance and transfers. 

"The hassle of understanding the transfer and registrations windows at the moment is still quite a setback, and we welcome the changes to FAI Connect also which will help us reduce any confusion and the workload we have to do as administrators."

Other benefits of the move are... 

Improved match frequency: Less rescheduling and more games played.

Volunteer ease: Coordinators and referees benefit from a consistent calendar with fewer disruptions. 

Strategic alignment: The league becomes more integrated into national and Player Pathways systems - beneficial for club development and funding. 

Improved coaching opportunities: The FAI have launched the Education and Development Strategy for 2025-30, a strategic plan for football and education to enhance Irish football across all levels. We hope to benefit from this as all our clubs will now aim to have at least one Coach with a Coaching License. 

While excited, Travers is well aware that there are also challenges to the move.

“Like everything, a change will bring its challenges. Seasonal planning, cultural shift and competing with different sporting codes. Crafting a smooth, shortened transitional season requires careful logistics along with the actual planning of our first calendar season. 

"Clubs, players and officials used to winter schedules will need time to adapt and also you have the challenge of competing with different codes, particularly in summer months when GAA activity peaks, fixture timing must be flexible." 

With the business league currently boasting 1,000 players representing Cork's businesses, staff from private and commercial firms, public bodies, gyms, hospitality, and more, Membership is steadily increasing each year, reflecting demand for structured, competitive local football and because of this Travers, who has been secretary for over six years is looking forward to the change.

“The calendar switch is more than a format change - it’s a progressive step that mirrors our commitment to delivering efficient, player-focused football. 

We believe strongly in the FAI’s Pathways Plan as it aims for clearer progression from underage to senior levels and coach development nationally. 

"The CBL's leadership in Cork shows our readiness to evolve - and I’m proud to be part of this journey.”