Schoolboys League AGM hears of issues with LOI academies
The Donegal Schoolboys League AGM heard several references to issues between the league and the academies of League of Ireland clubs.
Tensions between League of Ireland academies and grassroots leagues were evidenced again this week.
At the annual general meeting of the Donegal Schoolboys League, there were several references to issues between the league and the academies of League of Ireland clubs.
“The problems with the League of Ireland academies continues,” Donegal Schoolboys League Chairperson PJ Cavanagh told the meeting.
“We have had meetings with the FAI and the SFAI without any progress. We will work to get it solved.”
Specifically, Denis McDaid, the Donegal Schoolboys League Football Development Officer, referenced issues with the pre-academy groups at Finn Harps Academy.
Harps have competitive teams in the U14, U15, U17 and U19 grades.
However, Mr McDaid highlighted an issue that has seen inter-league managers in the Donegal Schoolboys League unable to call on some players who are attending the senior club's pre-academy.
“Any manager doesn't have access to at least 20 players, as they are at the pre-academy at Finn Harps,” he said.
“Is there a level playing field for the Donegal Schoolboys League? We have not made progress in getting a working relationship and it is with great sadness I report that.”
A further indication of the level of the feelings arrived in the passing of two motions.
New rules were added to the rulebook which means that no member of the Executive Committee of the Donegal Underage League may be on the Board of a senior club or be on the coaching staff of a senior club.