Carlow & District Football League restate their objection to new proposed FAI calender

Carlow & District Football League have restated their stance on the new proposal from the FAI to run Calendar Year, Summer Soccer, as apposed to the current system of the traditional FIFA, UEFA Calendar, Winter Season.

The Soccer League has said that a number of factors are at play for their opposition of the new FAI proposal titled, Football Pathways Plan, some of the factors include Leaving Cert, Junior Cert, 3rd Level Exams, GAA, and also the likes of Weddings and Communions cited as reasons.

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Another reason that the league has cited for their opposition is votes from the clubs: 

"Our opposition is based on evidence. Both the CDFL and CDJL balloted our Clubs on the FAI Proposal. The result was clear and unanimous. A resounding 100% of Clubs in both Leagues rejected the FAI Calendar Year - Summer Season proposal and wish to remain in the longstanding School Calendar - Winter Season. Our Clubs have given a clear mandate to our Leagues that we shall remain in our current season which suits our Clubs, Players, Volunteers, and Communities.
We note that the Leinster Football Association (LFA) balloted Leagues in the Province on the FAI Proposal, with 85% of Clubs in Leinster voting to reject the proposal and wish to remain in the School Calendar - Winter Season. Leagues in Leinster have over 120,000 registered players. We further note that the result of this ballot was provided to the FAI Football Pathway Planning Committee at a meeting with the LFA Executive Committee on August 15th 2024."

And also the previously mentioned summer activities clashing:

"Due to clashes in summer months with other commitments and activities (e.g. Leaving Cert, Junior Cert, 3rd level College Exams, Irish College, Community Games, Family Holidays, Summer Jobs, Gaelic Football, LGFA, Hurling, Camogie, Communions, Confirmations, Weddings, etc.), it is our clubs' belief that to impose a Calendar Year - Summer Season will have a devastating impact, and result in the loss of teams and volunteers. A drop in participation numbers and coaching hours will impact hugely and negatively on player development, fundraising, facility development and Clubs capacity to meet ongoing financial liabilities. If adopted, the FAI Board's proposal will undermine the tremendous commitment shown by countless hard-working volunteers in our communities in developing our clubs. All delegates should vote to retain the right of Clubs/Leagues to choose the season that suits their Clubs, Players, Volunteers, and Communities."

The full statement can be found in the social post below this article.