Cork Youth Leagues return with 116 teams competing from U17 to U20

The new Cork Youth League season started last weekend that had 116 teams in competition across different competitions.

The league’s chairman Sean O’Sullivan explained about the new season ahead with some new clubs, the shortage of referees and the new rules in the game.

"This year there are 53 teams at U17, 47 at U18 (Youth) and 16 at U19 and we are excited to see teams entering the MFA and FAl cups separately,” Sean said.

“We welcome some teams back to the Leagues and we also welcome first-time members, Bweeng Celtic and River Celtic (Castlebridge under a new amalgamation of Rathcormac and Castlelyons).

“There are several new laws being introduced from the off this year, these have been distributed to clubs by way of FAI Notice, so we are appealing to all coaches and managers to be familiar with these minor changes before kick-off.

“Referees are in short supply. Some of the previous officials have been moved to other leagues and we thank them for the time they spent in our Leagues. We welcome all the new officials, and we are asking all clubs to treat these persons with respect, remember 'No Referee, No Game'.

"We look forward to a competitive football season at all levels. Last year we were winners of the FAI Youth Inter-League Cup and we would hope to be competitive in that cup again. This cup showcases the quality of players that are in the league and the management team from last year's success have indicated that they are willing for the task again this season.

"The league management lost a valued member in Sam O'Doherty last June, and she will be hard to replace,” O’Sullivan added.

Ready

The U19 Leagues should be competitive again and I spoke to Dave Butler, Douglas Hall, Carrigaline United’s Eoghan Curtin and Ken Bruton from Avondale United about the campaign ahead.

Dave Butler, Douglas Hall U19, said: "We have amalgamated both of last season's U18 teams into one squad to ensure that we retain as many lads as possible.

“With the majority of the squad heading into their leaving cert year, training and playing matches will be a good way for them to decompress throughout the year.

“We are approaching the coming season with same level of excitement as always and will attempt to build on the solid seasons both teams enjoyed last season."

Eoghan Curtin, Carrigaline United U19, explained: "There’s a new feel to our squad this year and the lads have come back into pre‑season buzzing, full of energy and excitement for the season ahead.

“It’s been great to see and we’re committed to helping them turn that enthusiasm into a really positive campaign.

“Both U18 Premier squads had their own rollercoaster last season, but those experiences have shaped a group that’s hungry to grow and compete.

For Ken Bruton, Avondale U19: "The objective for Eamon Kavanagh and myself this season is to assist the transition of our lads from Youth to adult football as seamlessly as we can.

"A number of lads will train with the Senior and Junior Premier teams with a view to getting some game time with both this season. We see the team as a way to ensure they get 90 minutes under their belts every week, rather than sitting on adult benches, whether that be 20 minutes for the adult sides and 70 minutes for the U19s."

“And of course, with it being a leaving cert year, the U19 League is perfect as it finishes that bit earlier giving the lads some extra time when they need it.

“I am lucky enough to have coached a lot of this group since they were five years old so it's fantastic to help them make the step up to adult football,” Bruton added.