The DDSL are delighted to announce that we are returning to the AUL Complex in Clonshough for the first time since 2018.

There are 67 Finals (U11-U18) scheduled to be played, across three days.

Friday 13th May.

Nine (9) U17 & U18 finals will be played with evening kick offs.

Saturday 14th May.

Twenty seven (27) finals (U11-U16, Saturday Divisions) will be played.

Sunday 15th May.

Thirty one (31) finals (U11-U16 Sunday Divisions) will be played.

Risk Assessment Document for Cork Schoolboys League

This risk assessment considers the potential for harm to come to children whilst they are in CSL’s care. Clubs who are constituent parts of our league will be required to develop their own Child Safeguarding Statement and Risk Assessment.

This risk assessment precedes the Child Safeguarding Statement (Section 11 (1b) Children First Act 2015) which is developed following this risk assessment process. In accordance with the requirements of Section 11 (1) of the Children First Act 2015 the risk is of abuse and not general health and safety risk (covered under a separate

H&S policy and risk assessment).

Section 11 (1) of the Children First Act 2015 states that where a person proposes to operate as a provider of a relevant service, he or she shall, within3 months from the date on which he or she commences as such a provider — (a) Undertake an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while availing of the service (in this section referred to as a “risk”).

The DDSL is very sad to hear of the passing of Des McAleenan, a former player with Stella Maris as well as coaching their young goalkeepers during visits back home. Not many people will have heard of Des but in footballing terms, his coaching story is second to none. Des was goalkeeping coach to the Colombian national men's team working under their Portuguese and former Manchester United and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz.

Des, who is from Artane in Dublin, spent many years living and working in the US and worked alongside managers Bob Bradley, Bruce Arena and Juan Carlos Osoria. He also worked with, amongst many others, US goalkeeper Tony Meola as well as Tim Howard playing a big part in his move to Manchester United from MLS club MetroStars (now known as New York Red Bulls). He also coached at Saudi Arabia's most famous club Al-Hilal.

Last year he gave a fascinating insight to his life in an interview with OTB Sports and you can watch and listen to that story by Clicking Here (from 27 minutes onwards)

We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends. Ar dheist Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

As you are all aware by now, we have moved from level 5 to level 3. Naturally this has been welcomed in many quarters but sadly once again the needs of children involved in sport have been ignored.

This is so disappointing at a time when there has been so much positivity around Children following the recent excellent “Late Late Show”. Our Charity Partners, Childline, will testify to the benefits to the mental and physical health of our children gained from their involvement in Sport. While access to regular training is welcome there is simply no substitute for children playing football matches and no excuse for discriminating between one group of children and another group through the use of the word Elite.

For the full FAI Press Release Cancellation of Underage Elite Football, please Click Here

What can we do?

As you are aware the Board of Directors, Dublin & District Schoolboys’/Girls’ League wrote to the FAI President Mr Gerry McAnaney on October 15th to express its dismay as to the designation of the underage national league as Elite. This was as a result of the reaction and backlash of our Stakeholders (Secretaries, Managers, Coaches, parents & Guardians) to the FAI statement issued on 18th September.

The Executive Football Committee Dublin & District Schoolboys’/Girls’ League are pleased to announce the launch of the “LET’S GET THE KIDS BACK PLAYING” initiative.

As we approach the Festive Season there are reasons for optimism and hope that the Country is turning the corner and we can look forward to 2021. The phrase most used by those of us involved with Schoolboy Football since matches were suspended in September is “Let’s get the Kids back playing”

This is indeed our primary goal.

Restrictions

We are hopeful that a return to Level 3 restrictions will enable ALL CHILDREN to return to playing football.

THE DDSL 2020/2021 SEASON WILL RECOMMENCE ON WEEKEND 23rd/24th JANUARY 2021. (PROVIDED RESTRICTIONS ALLOW).