Another great year of youth soccer comes to an end with several new names on cups and league titles

The Cork Youth League once again lived up to its reputation as one of the most competitive and entertaining leagues in Cork, delivering another unforgettable season packed with drama, excitement, and outstanding football.

This year, more than 105 teams competed across 13 divisions, resulting in over 1,400 matches involving approximately 2,000 players aged between 16 and 19.

The CYL want to express our appreciation to clubs throughout the county for their commitment to providing opportunities for young players and maintaining high-quality facilities that support the development of the game.

The 2025-26 season proved particularly memorable, with title races across almost every division going down to the final weeks of competition. Champions emerged from all corners of the county, with City, County, North Cork, West Cork and East Cork clubs all celebrating league success.

The U17 Premier Division provided one of the season's standout moments as the title was decided in a winner-takes-all final-day clash. Midleton rose to the occasion, defeating Douglas Hall to secure the league title to go with the U17 Teddy Healy cup. However, the Hall did a successful season by winning the inaugural U17 Munster Cup and the U17 Gussie Walsh cup.

A similar story unfolded in the U18 Premier Division, where Leeside and Carrigaline battled for supremacy until the final game. Carrigaline claimed victory on home soil to lift the title. However, Leeside also won silverware by claiming the JAKO IRELAND Munster Youth Cup, Midleton won the U18 League Cup, while Douglas Hall lifted the U18 Murphy Cup.

The U17 League 1 title race required a dramatic three-way playoff involving Avondale United, Blarney and Fermoy, where Avondale ultimately emerged victorious after a fiercely contested battle.

Midleton were crowned champions of U17 League 1A, although Kilworth will reflect on missed opportunities after narrowly falling short on the final day of the season and the Magpies also lifted the U17 Tom O’Callaghan cup in a thriller against Mallow United.

Lakewood secured the U17 League 2 title, finishing ahead of Leeds, Watergrasshill United enjoyed a commanding season to win U17 League 3 League, while another playoff was required in U17 League 4 to separate Avondale United and Passage. However, Avondale once again came out on top to add another title to their collection.

The U18 divisions were dominated by clubs from outside the City. Bandon claimed the U18 League 1 crown, Mallow Town triumphed in U18 League 1A, Park United lifted the U18 League 2 title, Corkbeg were victorious in U18 League 3 and Blarney United won the U18 Sean Williams cup.

The League’s expanding U19 section also enjoyed a successful season. Douglas Hall secured the U19 League 1 championship, while Clonakilty were crowned champions of U19 League 1A. Douglas Hall won the U19 Daly cup, while Riverstown lifted the U19 Shield.

Also the Cork Youth team retained their FAI Inter-League Cup which was a great achievement by all the coaches and players.

As the Cork Youth League continues to expand year after year, the organisation is actively seeking new committee members. Anyone interested in contributing to grassroots football and supporting the development of local soccer is encouraged to get involved.

Attention will soon turn to the 2026 campaign, with the new season set to kick off in early September. New clubs and teams are always welcome to join!