The General Assembly of the FAI has endorsed the introduction of the Aligned Football Calendar, one of the 11 priority actions under the Football Pathways Plan.
At a hybrid meeting held in Dublin and online, the Assembly voted by a substantial majority to introduce the four year phased introduction of a new calendar for all fixtures at all levels of the game.
51% was needed but our understanding is that the number was closer to 60%.
Following the vote, all football activity across the professional, amateur and underage children’s seasons will be aligned by 2028, starting in the spring and finishing in October or November.
Welcoming the outcome of the vote, FAI President Paul Cooke said: “This is a really significant day for Irish football as we come together to improve the game for every player, coach, volunteer, supporter and affiliate.”
“The FAI Board and staff will now take time to digest tonight’s meeting and the positive result.”
“We welcome this decision and look forward to activating the phased implementation of the aligned football calendar.”
“We take on board and respect all the views expressed both for and against the resolution here this evening. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank all those who worked on the Aligned Football Calendar to get us to this stage and also all who contributed to the debate over the last year.”
“Tonight’s vote is a green light for progress but the hard work starts here for all of us,” added Marc Canham, FAI Director of Football.
“We acknowledge all the views expressed, both at the meeting tonight and at our engagements all across the country in recent times, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders over the next four years to bring the Aligned Football Calendar into effect by 2028 for the benefit of all who participate in Irish football and most importantly for current and future generations of players at all levels. Afraid.”
“Tonight’s vote is a vote for change and a vote for progress and a result Irish football can be proud of across our game.”
Clinic“Our Grassroots game continues to grow thanks to the tireless work of our volunteers, and tonight’s outcome provides us with the roadmap to create the right pathways for all involved in our game,” said FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott.
“The result only reinforces our commitment to continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver more football, more often, with more variety for all our players, from the youngest to the oldest.”
“We will continue to develop an achievable plan that offers progression and a pathway for all our clubs to enable them to realise their own ambitions within a pyramid system.”
“I look forward to working with our volunteers within the adult amateur and professional and the children’s game to implement our plan as we look to a new future for Irish football.”
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
The famed football ‘family’ has sometimes struggled to put a bigger picture ahead of sectoral interests but the adoption of the 11 points in last night’s General Assembly vote, including the alignment of seasons to run through the summer as opposed to traditional lines of September to May has been a win for the executive team driving it, led by Marc Canham, and for a brighter more integrated game through the tiers in years to come.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
There is a four year timeline on implementing the changes giving plenty of time to iron out any kinks in the system and to bring along those who still voted against as part of a new approach.
The Sport for Business Membership comprises nearly 300 organisations, including all the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies.
