DDSL/SDFL Merger

In British Columbia, they have established the British Columbia Soccer Premier League, which consists of 8 constant members. The 8 participating clubs are nominated on criteria such as coaching qualifications, facilities and history of player development. Creating an established league to bridge the gap between schoolboy clubs and League of Ireland clubs would be a benefit in player retention (for those who may have missed the initial stage of recruitment/players who have left LOI clubs due to lack of playing time etc.)

Suggestion for clubs in a Leinster based league: Cherry Orchard, Crumlin, Belvedere FC, Cabinteely, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Malahide, St Josephs, Mount Merrion, Athlone, Dundalk , Home Farm, St Kevins Boys.

Establishing a designated league that acts as a bridging league, with high standards imposed would make it seem like less of a drop down for LOI players should they require extra time to develop, while also acting as a launch pad for players who may develop slower, but become late bloomers as they grow. This would aid in the recruitment and assessment of players currently playing outside of LOI, while also ensuring player retention within the game.

The BCSPL works upon a system which allows players to be dual registered, meaning they can represent their local club, as well as the elite team which they are registered to.

This would be of massive benefit to young players in the Ireland. My suggestion is as follows, using current U15 age group as an example: 

•10 players can be dual registered to affiliate clubs in the “Development League”. 

•5 players to each age group. (ie UCD players can represent Mount Merrion in the newly established league. 2003 players could play a year up at U16 level, while 2004 players would play at U14 level (which is their true age group) 

This would allow players who may not be gaining enough game time, or struggling with the physical gap between oldest and youngest within an age group. A rule to ensure that clubs don’t abuse this rule may need to be considered, such as the availability of just 3 dual registered players per match day squad, with only 2 allowed on the field of play at one time. This would mean players signed permanently to “development league” squads would still get the required game time.