Return to Action

After a well earned summer break, the South Dublin Football League will resume action this weekend. On Saturday Sept 3rd, the small sided games will begin from under 7s (Don’t cross the line) 8s and 9s at 7 a side, up to under 12s at 11 a side. In between the under 10s and 11s will compete at 9 a side. In all, 16 divisions comprising approximately 160 teams will compete in these sections. Also on Saturday 3rd Sept, a combined SDFL Wicklow League section sees 20 teams compete at under 17 and under 18 levels. Playing against new opposition from the Wicklow League should be a good experience for the South Dublin teams.

 

On Sunday Sept 4th the serious action begins for the 11 a side teams. Thirteen division’s again comprising approximately 160 teams will compete from under 12s up to under 16 level, while there are also 3 combined divisions at under 17s and 18s with the Wicklow League.

 

Under new SFAI rules brought in this year, players have jumped up 2 age groups. This means that last years under 10s will play under 12s this year. This measure was introduced to bring us in line with the other European Leagues. So what ever your pre season aspirations are, be they winning Trophies, Cups, Promotion or even avoiding relegation, doing better than last year, or just having fun, we wish all players, managers, referees and administrators the best of luck for the coming season.

Reminder of Guidelines

As the new season is about to kick off, this is a great opportunity to remind everyone involved in the game, of a few basic guidelines that will enhance the match experience for all involved.

• For parents, you are there to support and encourage. Allow the players to play and the managers to manage.
• Players, always do your best, compete honestly and fairly. Respect your team mates, your managers and your opposition. Without them you wouldn’t have a game!
• Managers, respect the beautiful game! Encourage the game to be played in the right manner. If you ask your players to improve, why not show an example by taking that next Coaching course you have often thought about? And think of this, at Coaching seminars the late great Noel O Reilly often asked “How do you want the kids to remember you in 10 years time?”

For all involved the buzz word has to be RESPECT. The much maligned Referee should be afforded it from players, managers and spectators. I do not know of a single referee who got out of bed in the morning with the intent of ruining someone’s day! Yes they make mistakes, as do players and managers. Wouldn’t it be strange if the ref shouted at a player “How the hell did you miss that?” or if he complained to a manager about his tactics or substitutions? Also at every club there are the unnoticed administrators at committee level. Attending meetings and giving up their own valuable time, their work is just as important to the playing of the game. You can help them by sending in the scores and registration fees etc, on time. Enjoy.

New Astro Pitch

Anyone driving past Ballyowen Park lately would have noticed the work progressing with the new full sized, UEFA standard Astro Pitch. While most people involved in the game have been enjoying their summer off, the committee members of the SDFL have been working tirelessly behind the scenes. As well as fixture planning, league formations, financial affairs etc, they have worked tremendously hard to have work resumed on the new pitch. Hopefully all will be complete by the end of October, and that will bring to an end a long process of planning and development at Ballyowen Park. The completion of this project will make the SDFL the first school boy league in the country to own its own full sized Astro Pitch, and together with the impressive building currently on Ballyowen Park, will make the league the envy of many. Having our own pitch there will open up many possibilities for the league, which will further enhance its growth and development.

Representative teams

Training will commence for the SDFL representative Squads of the under 12s, 13s and 14s in Ballyowen Park, on Saturday 17th September. Coaches will be in touch with players soon, and if any club manager has a player whom he thinks might be up to the required standard, he should contact Director of Coaching Tommy Carberry at league headquarters. There will also be development squads this year at under 10 and under 11s, but as this age group play on Saturday their commencement date will be announced in due course. The Saturday sessions will run for 3 weeks before switching to midweek in Peamount, and then back to Ballyowen Park when the new Astro pitch is ready (see article above). As usual there will be plenty of games, and quality coaching sessions, with competitive action in the Cashin Cup, TAB Cup, and Kennedy Cup.

Season 2011/2012

The new season for 2011/2012 commences on 3rd & 4th September 2011 please check The Star and our website for fixtures. Please note ball sizes U7,U8 Size 3, U9, U10, U11, U12 Size 4, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U18 Size 5.