The new EA SPORTS LOI Academy season was launched today at FAI HQ in Abbotstown marked by three new teams entering the WU19 League.
St. Patrick’s Athletic have started the new season in the WU19 League after previously entering the WU17 League, marking a continuation of their progress in the women’s game.
After last year’s introduction to the League of Ireland, Mayo continue their development too with a team entered into the WU19 League which has also seen Longford Town enter a team for the first time.
Klub Kildare have also entered the WU17 League, extending their LOI imprint.
Having won the EA SPORTS LOI Academy MU17 League last season, Shelbourne will enter the UEFA Youth League this summer after UCD represented the League of Ireland in 2024.
With players continuing to break into the League of Ireland senior Divisions and make an impact at home and abroad, as well as in European competition, 2025 is set to be another exciting year for the players involved.
In addition to the EA SPORTS LOI Academy Leagues for MU14, MU15, MU17, MU20, WU17, and WU19 age groups, there will also be a series of Development Weekends throughout the season, as well as Cup competitions and Finals.
“We’re delighted to welcome three more teams into the EA SPORTS LOI Academy system as the Academy goes from strength to strength each year,” said LOI Academy Director Will Clarke.
“There is excellent work being done by the Clubs. This is seen in the Republic of Ireland MU17 team qualifying for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with 11 current players in the Academy part of the squad while 15 came through the system.”
“Mason Melia’s record transfer announcement and Shamrock Rovers featuring Academy players in the UEFA Conference League shows the progress that is being made.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
LOI Academy Extends with EA Sports FC
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
Government funding of LOI Academies remains a contentious issue with football, with the feeling that the promises made in party manifestoes before the last election are slower to materialise than they had expected or hoped. The government is merely saying that the different ways in which money is allocated need to be reviewed, ruling nothing in but also nothing out.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
The Men’s U17 World Cup Finals will take place in November.
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