The Under-14 National League will kick off next February in line with all other underage National League competitions.
This follows the controversial decision made late last year to start this season’s competition in the summer, after the Kennedy Cup.
It led to several players still signing for League of Ireland sides, where they trained and played in friendlies, and it caused further friction between senior clubs and their schoolboy counterparts.
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In announcing today’s decision, FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill acknowledged: “Whilst recognising the depth of emotion around this issue, we believe this announcement offers clarity for all our players, their parents, coaches, and clubs ahead of the 1st August registration date for all those Grassroots clubs involved in winter season football.
“It also clearly outlines the options available to the 400 or so players who will play Under 14 National League football next year whilst also recognising the needs of the remaining 13,500 players who will remain in the Grassroots game at this age group alone.
“We have also confirmed that there will be no Under 13 National League next season and we want to see League of Ireland Academies working hand in hand with their local Schoolboy/girls’ Leagues and Clubs moving forward.”
According to an FAI statement, the decision regarding the Under-14 boys competition was taken “after the FAI executive brought forward a proposal that was reviewed and discussed by the FAI Board.
“The proposal followed consultation with the Underage Football Working Group, this group consisted of key stakeholders in underage football including FAI staff, Board members and independent experts, the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland and the League of Ireland clubs and Academies.
“This move has been taken to provide clarity to both Grassroots and Underage National League clubs, coaches, players and parents in relation to registrations, transfer windows and season start dates, in both the short and medium term.
“The SFAI registration window for players born in 2009 for Grassroots underage football (playing winter season) will open on the 1st August 2022 and the (SFAI) transfer window will close on the 31st December 2022.
“The registration window for the U14 National League will open on the 1st December 2022.
“The Underage Working Group will remain in place and will continue to review all areas that impact underage football in Ireland.”
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